Lifelong learning in Russia

Modern geopolitical challenges aggravate the problems of Russia’s transition to economy based on knowledge. In the structure of lifelong learning the leading role is given to the sphere of additional professional education. According to Rosstat data, in 2013 lifelong professional education covered 13.8% of payroll in commercial and non-commercial organizations. Low availability of professional education for significant contingencies of workers is the barrier hindering transition to high-technology production, hampering increase in labour productivity, blocking the possibility to continue working in older age due to loss of the qualification and education potential. Now lifelong learning in Russia involves as a rule younger people. Introduction of a really working system of learning throughout life is only beginning to take shape. For the present this direction in fact is marginally including organization of professional training of older age groups. It is impossible to create an economy based on knowledge without the system of learning throughout life that includes all age groups of the Russian population.