Life Long Learning Readiness in SMEs / ReadiSME

Excisting siutation and project objectives

Results from a wide range of projects, studies and discussions with SME representatives and consultants show that the situation of many SMEs particularly in new member states like Romania and Hungary is very precarious. The main cause for this is their lack of skills and competences in many domains. Life Long Learning (LLL) processes and structured strategies for change and innovation which are necessary to improve this situation are largely absent in many European SMEs. To help remedy this situation much effort is still required on the European level to raise awareness and to provide proven concepts and instruments toSME managers, consultants and other service providers. 
The proposed project was mainly a dissemination and valorisation project of best practices and results of successful e-learning, Leonardo and national projects from recent years, including work undertaken by national and European networks like the German D-ELAN, Irish Skillsnets, Aqua TT. to develop and improve LLL strategies and guidelines for SMEs.
One key factor for implementing LLL strategies and concepts in SMEs and other organisations and which has been largely neglected until now is to examine the “LLL-readiness” of the organisations concerned. 
The omission of “readiness” as a main reason for the limited success of e-learning and LLL strategies in creating sustainability has also been one of the findings of the SIMPEL project. The project proposed here was focused on methods to establish degrees of LLL readiness in SMEs and on a step-by-step approach to implement LLL according to different levels of readiness, at the same time working towards higher levels of readiness. In combination with the models and guidelines developed by theSIMPEL project coordinated by the IAT, best-practice experiences with readiness have been disseminated and valorised in regional, national and European workshops and in discussions with experts.

Project Activities