ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will compare briefly the HRD strategies in the EU and APEC regions in terms of their substantive content and procedural approaches and offers explanations for similarities and differences between the EU and APEC regions in terms of common drivers and different contexts. Despite fundamental differences in the underlying economic objectives of the two approaches and in the means by which the HRD policies are developed, we will suggest there are important lessons from each that could provide opportunities for transfer of experience between the two regions. The APEC approach can gain from EU-style engagement with the trade unions and the EU approach can benefit from APEC-style flexibility, provided the European Social Model is not jeopardized in the process.
