Abstract:

The Tempus project “Development of Lifelong Learning Framework in Serbia” was realized from 2008 until 2011. The key milestones in this project were: to define the system of monitoring the changing needs of labour market; to develop lifelong learning (LLL) modules, courses and teaching material; to develop teaching/learning environment based on ICT, to establish university LLL centres and begin with training; to organize the national University LLL network; and to design a national system of the recognition of skills acquired during LLL.
The most important project objective, and also the most difficult to accomplish, was to define the institutional basis for the functioning of a LLL system in Serbia. University LLL centres were formed at state universities and organised into a national network. At the same time, university LLL centres were connected with centres organised at the faculty level, thereby forming a unified organised network.
This article presents the key strategy elements of the LLL centre of the University of Novi Sad, its implementation and development action plan, including, among others, the necessary resources, the organisation design, the information system and the legal aspects of management and governance. The authors present in detail the primary objectives, tasks and functions of the organised LLL centres. Their roles are laid out, with a focus on the importance of their association in a national network of centres and inclusion of the national into international networks. Development of system for recognition and valuation of LLL modules, as well as all the accompanying empirical rules, are the author’s specific contribution to the realisation of the institutional framework and functioning of the LLL system in Serbia.

Keywords:

Lifelong learning, network, university LLL centre.