We are currently witnessing a profound economic transformation: ecological change, digital transformation, and demographic change are key challenges which have a significant impact on our working environment. The role continuing education plays in this context is becoming increasingly vital. New approaches and business strategies are needed to facilitate conversations and exchange among companies and create additional access to knowledge and education for as many employees as possible.

As part of the EU-2030 strategy, the German Government has set the goal of increasing the participation rate in continuing education to 65 percent.

Therefore in 2019, it was stated in The National Continuing Education Strategy of Germany to expedite the development of regional networks dedicated to continuing education as well as co-operations between companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Hence, pilot projects focusing on building networks among stakeholders in continuing education were funded by the German Government through the federal program Building Networks for Continuing Education. Between 2020 and 2024 53 Continuing Education Networks were initiated.

Continuing Education Networks are defined as networks in which multiple companies and stakeholders within the continuing education sector and the labour market co-operating, i.e. developing and exchanging ideas or working on joint projects. The aim is to increase participation in continuing education, develop suitable classes and training programs and strengthen the connections between the stakeholders.

While some Continuing Education Networks operate across sectors, a large proportion focuses on specific industries, particularly the automotive, mobility, metal and electrical sectors. However, some networks target other industries, including aerospace, crafts and trades, nursing care, hospitality as well as media and film.

The Coordination Unit for Continuing Education Networks (forum wbv) is carried out in social partnership and was established to support the 53 networks across Germany e.g. by developing and enhancing the connections among them, providing new ideas and expert knowledge at conferences and assisting with individual projects and challenges.

This paper explains the structure of the Continuing Education Networks: which regional partners are involved and what roles do they play within the network. It addresses the role of social partners (employer associations and trade unions), since their participation in continuing education is to some extent a unique aspect of the German system.

The focus of the paper is then put on factors that promote or hinder the success of regional network structures and presents exemplary solutions showing how Continuing Education Networks have contributed to strengthening continuing education in Germany.

Acknowledgement:
The authors are research fellows at Forschungsinstitut Betriebliche Bildung (f-bb) and Institut für Forschung, Bildung und Projekte (iftp) at Berufsfortbildungswerk Gemeinnützige Bildungseinrichtung des DGB GmbH (bfw). They are working in the project: Coordination Unit for Continuing Education Networks (forum wbv). The project is part of the federal program Building Networks for Continuing Education, and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Keywords: Continuing education, National strategy, transformation, Networks.