The focus of this issue is on lifelong learning. Ten articles provide readers a well-informed survey of current figures on continuing in-company vocational training in Europe, a snapshot of the mood among continuing training providers in Germany, and the latest on trends in continuing education financing, education savings schemes and continuing education and training concepts for older workers. In the blickpunkt special focus interview, Professor Ekkehard Nuissl argues in favour of more public-sector responsibility for lifelong learning. In his commentary "Continuing vocational training: Advisory services are needed!", Professor Dr Reinhold Weiß, Director of Research at BIBB, sums up the key findings from the Committee on Innovation in Continuing Training and emphasizes the need to put adopted measures into practice. Other topics covered in issue 1/2008 include the vocational transition system as an area for municipal action in connection with the labour market, education and youth policies. In the BWP interview, Professor KARL WILBERS provides a preview of the extensive programme at the 2008 Conference on Vocational Training on "Quality in Schools and Establishments" in Nuremberg.