Lifelong learning in the digital era: How the approach to human capital development is changing

Abstract

In the context of digital transformation and changes in the labour market, traditional approaches to human capital development are becoming inefficient, meanwhile, continuous updating of knowledge and skills is becoming more relevant as a prerequisite for the competitiveness of employees and organisations. The goal of this study was to identify trends in changes of educational paradigms, analyse the impact of digital technologies on the formation of requirements for employee competencies, as well as to explore best practices for implementing lifelong learning at the individual, organisational, and state levels. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach has been applied, integrating theoretical foundations of lifelong learning, human capital theory and learning psychology with empirical methods, including content analysis, comparative, and systematic analysis of educational strategies and policies. The results of the study suggest a significant impact of digital transformation on the requirements for employee competencies. It has been discovered that nowadays the traditional professional knowledge of an employee is as important as digital literacy, meta-competencies and continuous learning. The study has also revealed significant changes in educational paradigms, with the transition from traditional forms of learning to flexible models focused on individualisation and the use of digital technologies. Online courses, corporate training, micro-qualifications are becoming important components of educational ecosystems. Based on content analysis, it has been found that organisations are currently playing an active role in the development of human capital by investing in training and retraining of their employees. A comparative analysis of the experience of implementing lifelong learning systems in different countries has revealed a number of problems, including the digital divide, insufficient motivation for learning and a failure of educational programmes to meet the needs of the labour market. Based on the carried-out study, recommendations for further implementation of lifelong learning to ensure the development of human capital have been made. The practical value of the study is determined by the creation of a theoretical basis for improving educational programmes, corporate training and state policy aimed at supporting lifelong learning in the digital economy.