Hot Topic Identification and Evolution of Domestic Lifelong Learning Based on LDA Topic Model

In such a time of fast social-economic development and knowledge economy, lifelong education is of great significance to the progress of educational modernization. Based on the LDA topic modeling approach, the present article analyses 586 academic papers (2014–2024) in the Chinese lifelong learning domain and concludes the following five themes: lifelong education policy, integration with vocational education, development of evaluation systems, innovation of adult education, and constructing learning cities. This study finds that policy instruments, technological resilience, and societal support are the three major driving forces, of which, the thematic evolution indicates the stepwise development of policy and educational practice. Suggestions are made to strengthen digital integration, refine the policy framework, and stimulate interdisciplinary and international cooperation. Such study contributes to the construction of an inclusive lifelong education system, as well as a learning society.