This research analyses hackathons which are collaborative innovation making by using technology events, in terms of using these as a tool to facilitate a lifelong learning process in obtaining digital competence among other 21 st century skills. The aim of this research is to explore and analyse the perceptions and experiences of hackathon participants and different stakeholders about the learning process experienced during a hackathon event. The following research questions are studied: RQ1. How do interviewees perceive hackathons in relation to key elements of the UNESCO Learning Cities Framework?; RQ2. How do participants of the hackathons perceive their learning process?; RQ3. How do participants of the hackathons perceive their learning process by using digital tools during the hackathon events? Kolb’s experiential learning theory and UNESCO Learning Cities Framework are used as the ground for the theoretical-methodological frameworks. The methods chosen to collect the data are survey questionnaire and interviews. The results provide insights that apart from developing digital competence and using technology as a tool for learning, collaboration, communication and problem-solving are the main skills practiced during a hackathon. This implies that hackathons could be used on a wider scale to help with UNESCO Learning Cities development by facilitating the learning process for adults in the development of 21 st century skills. / <p>This article was presented in May 2020 at Stockholm University, Department of Education.</p><p>This finalized article was presented to UNESCO Learning Cities Program Specialist at the Institute of Lifelong Learning in Hamburg, in July 2020.</p><p>Key findings of this research were presented at the Joint International Seminar with Stockholm University, University of Tokyo and Jyväskuylä University in February 2020.</p><p>Interviews with this article's author about this research:</p><p>By Future Position X, digital innovation hub in Sweden (available in English &amp; Swedish): https://fpx.se/en/people-come-to-learn-network-and-make-a-difference/</p><p>Canberra Innovation Network mentions my research: https://cbrin.com.au/women-in-innovation/women-in-innovation-monika-lionaite/?fbclid=IwAR1mTBwXI8yS9uxkoTZSdhnB2jhpKA4kRs_GztyrAqCmbAJNNZ_KH0DR_Jo</p><p>Presentations about this research were done by the author at the Rotary Clubs of Canberra Sundowners and Canberra Weston Creek, also at the international conference of Rotary International activities during the global pandemic.</p><p>The author shared key findings as a speaker at the international conference promoting tolerance and peace on the topic 'Crisis and the role of states in developing solutions' November 2020 which was organized by the American International Education Federation and Alliance for Humanity; at the international online conference of Young Scientists on the topic of 'Leadership in peace-building and international development in the digital age' in November 2020 which was organized by Western Asian Development Institute.</p><p></p><p></p>