 These partnerships are seen to increase supplement funding levels (where inadequate public funds exists) as well as open traditional institutions and methods to technology and industry”.One criticism is that the learning society does not actually exist, but is simply a tool or theory invoked by powers (governments, IGO’s) to push certain agendas.This argument maintains that it is easy to see how the idea could be used to justify World Bank & OECD programs in developing countries  Or rather that it is nothing more than a vague term to describe an unfocused notion of 'learning on the internet'

It is often difficult to find, despite the prevalence of the term ‘learning society’ amongst policy makers and politicians, information of real strategic funding from governments or corporations that reflect the theories and approaches of the learning society.