Falch, T., & Oosterbeek, H. Financing lifelong learning: Funding mechanisms in education and training. EENEE, Brussels, 2011. Pages: 44.

The European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE) is an EU think tank funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and Culture. It aims to contribute to the improvement of decision-making and policy development in education and training in Europe, and, as part of this work, has recently revamped its online platform promoting and disseminating research on the Economics of Education in Europe. Among its newest analytical reports, Financing Lifelong Learning: Funding Mechanisms in Education and Training provides an overview of available evidence on funding mechanisms at all levels of education (primary, secondary and tertiary education) and training (adult learning) in Europe.

The study has come up with conclusions on the advantages and drawbacks of a wide range of funding mechanisms, including tax incentives, grants and subsidies, loans and individual learning accounts. The advantages of funding schemes are evaluated with respect to efficiency, quality, equity and sustainability. Specifically, with regard to higher education, the report advocates for sharing costs between governments and students, as well as devolving decisions about tuition fees onto higher education institutions.

EENEE