In today's society of knowledge, information and innovation there are requirements for new and different approaches to learning, working and achieving success. Individuals and organizations that wish to survive and / or thrive must accept the changes, quickly adapt and change the current ways of learning and working. In order to respond to contemporary challenges, which have their origin in globalization and the development of ICT, one must identify and develop links between human resources, human potentials and human capital as a 'finished product' which enables the personal well-being as well as the socio-economic wellbeing. Learning and the acquisition of new knowledge throughout life is defined as the notion of lifelong learning which helps in a world of constant change. It also helps understanding changing society as well as changing individuals as a reaction to it. The research focus of the doctoral dissertation is to connect the concept of lifelong learning with changing society as a prerequisite for the development of individual potential who are the main driver of economic growth and development. Taking into account existing knowledge about human resources and their important role in economic growth and development and the urgent need for lifelong learning to be accepted as a principle of success in the modern economy and society, doctoral dissertation focuses specifically on the Vukovar-Srijem County. This is the Croatian county in which structural changes are implemented far more slowly than in the rest of Croatia, as well as all major economic indicators show that it is the county among the least developed counties in Croatia. The guiding idea of the doctoral thesis is that because of the changes in the modern economy that occur due to the rapid development of technology the inhabitants of Vukovar - Srijem County should use lifelong learning programs to change the structure of existing knowledge and skills. Lifelong learning helps to develop and acquire new abilities and skills which affect people’s possibility to create their own future and make become more competitive in the economy where knowledge is the most important factor of production. Human resources (people) of Vukovar-Srijem county should use their knowledge, skills, creativity, innovation, experience and other qualities for the creation of new value (new products, services, etc.), and contribute to their personal development, but also to the development of society as a whole. Taking into account the importance of knowledge, the purpose of the doctoral thesis is to evaluate the role of lifelong learning in the development of human resources and suggest policies that systematically encourage lifelong learning as an instrument of improving human capital. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on a sample of 638 people examining the perception of the population of Vukovar-Srijem County related to lifelong learning programs. Results of the research are used to formulate recommendations of the educational and economic policies decision makers at local, regional and national level in order to strengthen the participation of the population in lifelong learning programs.