Last month, thousands of young people (re)started their studies at universities and colleges across the country. But why should they be the only ones continuing to expand their knowledge? In today’s fast-paced world, neither employees nor business leaders can afford to stand still. Yet in 2023, only 1 in 4 Belgians aged 25 to 64 participated in any form of professional training, according to data from Statbel. That’s a concerning figure, especially considering the European Commission’s target for 2025: nearly 47% of adults should be taking courses each year. So, why is lifelong learning such a big deal?
Agility is the new survival skill
Steven De Haes, Dean of the Antwerp Management School, emphasizes the profound impact of technological advancements, geopolitical pressures, and a growing emphasis on sustainability on both society and the economy. “Companies must constantly evolve to stay relevant. Lifelong learning is no longer a luxury—it's a strategic imperative. Just look at Kodak, Nokia, Xerox... these were market leaders who fell because they were too slow and not forward-thinking. In today’s even faster-moving world, standing still means falling behind. But leaders who commit to continuous learning make smarter strategic decisions and help their organizations stay agile and future-proof.”
The power of investing in leadership and innovation
Luc Luwel, CEO of Voka – Chamber of Commerce Antwerp-Waasland, stresses the critical importance of ongoing education: “Investing in leadership and fresh insights is vital for companies aiming to stay ahead of the curve. It strengthens not only your competitive edge but also fosters a culture of agility, which is necessary to respond quickly to future challenges.”
Luwel adds that Belgian businesses are already feeling the pressure from high labor costs, which weakens their standing in global markets. “A recent Voka economic survey revealed that 57% of Flemish companies are concerned about their competitiveness. In such a demanding landscape, lifelong learning is the key to maintaining competitiveness and preparing businesses for the future.”
Lifelong learning is a shared responsibility
Both De Haes and Luwel agree that the responsibility for lifelong learning is a shared one. “Businesses and employees need to work together to continuously invest in the talent in our region, but government support is also crucial,” says Steven De Haes. “Subsidies, updated legislation, and support for educational initiatives are essential to make lifelong learning more accessible.”
Luwel concurs, adding, “At Voka, we’re doing our part by partnering with Antwerp Management School to launch the MBA Highlights program, specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This program offers the tools and insights needed to make forward-thinking decisions and stay ahead of tomorrow’s challenges.”
Conclusion: continuous learning is the only constant
As De Haes puts it, “In a world where change is the only constant, it’s essential that both leaders and employees commit to learning year after year.”
Luwel agrees: “Lifelong learning is the key to success for both businesses and employees, and it’s absolutely crucial for Belgium’s future as a knowledge-based economy.”
