University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) and University Continuing Education are emerging concepts and realities in European countries. As reported by the BeFlex report, the development of ULLL is slow: even if 56% of universities have a LLL policy or strategy, the implementation and the practice are complex and diverse.

How is it possible to change the current European universities into real Lifelong Learning Universities? How is it possible to evolve while keeping the main current strong points, like the research responsibility, the social and democratic roles?

Objectives:

The main objectives of the conference were to design the future LLL University, to validate prospective views, to discuss the change strategy and to promote some emerging practices. The conference disseminated the results of BeFlex Plus and discussed recommendations in the formulation, development and implementation of LLL at the European level, but also at the university level.

Content:

The programme comprised presentations, workshops and a roundtable on how to transform our universities into LLL institutions, concerning 3 topics:

• the strategy: possible approaches, economic models, values, organising and financing the transition process
• impacts on the structural, organisational and pedagogical aspects of the university
• the roles, needs and requirements of external stakeholders