In January 2006 the Nordic Network for Adult Learning established a think tank to draw the outlines for discussions organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers on future competencies from the perspective of continuing education.
The participants in this think tank, representing all the Nordic counties, are individuals with varied background and experience: Harry Bjerkeng (NO), Arne Carlsen (DK), Ingegerd Green (SE), Leena Jokinen (FI), and Kristín Ástgeirsdóttir (IS). The representative of NVL was Sigrún Kr. Magnúsdóttir (IS).
Our work has focused on a number of critical questions: What will Nordic working life and society look like in the future? What competencies will adult individuals need to develop in order to function? Through what systems and organisations can this competence be developed? How can Nordic culture be the basis for an effective policy?
In order to support our answers to these questions, we have read and discussed reports, analyses, and books. We have met nine times, and to these meetings we have invited politicians, representa- tives of trade, industry, and educational institutions to hear their views on the current situation and the future.