The Robin Hood Model of University Lifelong Learning. Why Universities Cannot Build Lifelong Learning Societies Under Knowledge-Economy Funding Models

Universities are increasingly expected to support lifelong learning in response to major societal challenges such as digital transformation, the green transition and demographic change. Yet university lifelong learning (ULLL) continue to be funded and evaluated primarily according to knowledge-economy and socially oriented lifelong learning initiatives often receive limited institutional recognition and financial support. Many universities therefore rely on a “Robin Hood Model”, in which revenue from commercially successful programmes subsidises initiatives that promote social inclusion and community learning. While this approach allows universities to sustain valuable activities, it remains fragile and reveals a deeper structural misalignment between the societal mission of lifelong learning and current higher education funding frameworks. Building truly inclusive lifelong learning societies will therefore require universities and policymakers to recognise lifelong learning as a core public function of higher education and to align funding and evaluation systems with its broader societal value.