Building the Future of Lifelong Learning | HEROES Online Conference

How can higher education institutions build relevant and flexible lifelong learning opportunities for learners, professionals, and industry – while responding critically and responsibly to technological and societal change?
This first HEROES Joint Conference on lifelong learning brings together perspectives from higher education and industry to explore the future of lifelong learning, from practice to strategy.
Through three presentations, the conference will explore collaboration between higher education and industry, the role and implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and how institutions can build the organizational structures and learning ecosystems needed to support lifelong learning at scale.
Together, the sessions offer different perspectives on how higher education can respond to changing learner and labour-market needs while shaping sustainable and responsible approaches to lifelong learning.
***Programme*** *All sessions include time for questions.*
12:50 Welcome and introduction Janet Antonissen, Senior Lecturer, Lifelong Learning Coordinator, Fontys University of Applied Sciences
13:00-13:30 Best Practice in Lifelong Learning – A Strong Collaboration between Fontys University and ASML Marc Mussaeus, Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Fontys University of Applied Sciences
13:40-14:25 Beyond the Micro-credential: Building an Ecosystem for Global Lifelong Learning Karsten Kryger, Senior Executive Officer and Coordinator of Lifelong Learning, DTU Wind
14:30-15:00 Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Pontus Wärnestål , Head of Design at Ambition Group and Deputy Professor in Information Technology, Halmstad University.
15:10-15:20 Closing remarks Ebba Sundin, Associate Professor, Academic coordinator HEROES,  Halmstad University

*Who should participate?*
The conference is relevant for colleagues across Europe working with lifelong learning, micro-credentials, continuing professional education, educational development, flexible learning and collaboration with industry.
Colleagues from HEROES partner institutions, associated partners and other stakeholders interested in the future of lifelong learning in higher education are warmly invited to participate.
*Participation is online and free of charge.*
Register for the HEROES Joint Conference and join colleagues from across Europe for an afternoon exploring the future of lifelong learning.
We look forward to welcoming you on 4 November.

Facilitator/Teacher: Ebba Sundin, Janet Andersson or Stine Nørkjær Kromann
Facilitator/Teacher email: ebba.sundin@hh.se, j.antonissen@fontys.nl, sie@ucn.dk
Contact information:
Training dates:
Training duration: 2,5 hours
Application deadline: 2026-11-04
Maximum participants: None

Intended learning outcomes:
After participating in the conference, participants will have gained:
– Knowledge of how collaboration between higher education institutions and industry can support lifelong learning and professional development.
– Understanding of how micro-credentials can contribute to flexible learning opportunities and address industry needs.
– Insight into the organizational structures and learning ecosystems needed to support lifelong learning at scale.
– Awareness of the opportunities, challenges and ethical considerations related to artificial intelligence in higher education.
– Knowledge of different practices and strategic approaches to lifelong learning in higher education.

Registration requirements:
None