This study analyzes the LiFE(Lifelong Education at Universities for the Future of Education) project as a critical policy turning point in the development of university lifelong education systems, and explores sustainable directions for such systems in the post-RISE(Regional Innovation System & Education) framework era. Drawing on in-depth perspectives from field practitioners and academic experts, the study identifies and interprets a dual issue-specific evaluation landscape of the LiFE project(2019–2025), capturing both achievements and limitations across five thematic domains. First, in institutionalization and structural transition, two contrasting categories—(1) expansion of institutional evolution and structural innovation, and (2) organizational resistance and entrenchment of internal boundaries—generated nine subcategories. Second, regarding curricular and academic operations innovation, two categories—(1) diversification of academic pathways and expansion of flexible operational systems, and (2) institutional rigidity and limitations in support infrastructure—produced seven subcategories. Third, the theme of regional innovation was analyzed through the tension between (1) building collaborative regional ecosystems and governance for local embeddedness, and (2) fragmented partnerships and lack of substantive cooperation, yielding 12 subcategories. Fourth, in terms of adult learner–friendly environments, the analysis contrasted (1) strengthened tailored support systems and promotion of learning participation, with (2) sustainability limitations and continued imbalances in resource allocation, resulting in five subcategories. Fifth, experiments in inter-university networks and shared university models were categorized as (1) expansion potential of joint governance and hyper-connected systems, and (2) institutional complexity and weak policy implementation capacity, producing seven subcategories. Based on these analytical insights, the study offers a reflective discussion on the policy implications and practical directions for transitioning toward a sustainable higher lifelong education system.