Contemporary Challenges of Building Competences Through Lifelong Learning in Mountain Regions

The paper examines life-long strategies in international and national scope and opportunities to adopt their priorities in regional strategies for improving the level and access to vocational training and qualifications in mountain regions in the Republic of Bulgaria. The educational and training system in the country is discussed: its advantages that could be used for providing training in mountain regions and its limitations that should be overcome. Recommendations are given for development of a national conceptual framework of vocational training targeted specifically at the population of mountain regions and facilitating access and quality of trainings that should be provided, as well as particular fields of study that would contribute to mountain regions' development through knowledge-based economy and smart specialization