Knowledge is considered to be a basic productive strength in human society as well as an essential prerequisite for success. The amount of knowledge and differences in its application have become major factors in classifying the countries as developed or developing, rich or poor. In modern and wealthy societies the education system is of the highest national importance and only strategies for education development that contribute most appropriately to economic, social and cultural development of society and to desirable and lasting development of an individual are implemented. We are witnessing a rapid increase in the amount of new knowledge. This results in the need of further education and training as well as a constant acquisition of new competencies, new knowledge and skills, which are necessary for every career to be performed successfully; thus, knowledge gained in traditional education system quickly becomes outdated and does not meet the needs of an individual or a community. Modern education strategy is, therefore, based on the concept of lifelong learning. This paper, i.e. this development strategy will help the Open University of Šibenik to provide the basis for the modernisation and harmonisation of existing adult education programmes and the necessity of developing new programmes through an analysis of the socio-economic situation in Šibenik-Knin County and through an analysis of the current state of the Open University of Šibenik. The Open University of Šibenik intends to take advantage of its notable experience and quality as well as its constant activity on developing programmes to raise the standards, thus becoming a leading adult education institution in Šibenik and Šibenik-Knin County.