Needs analysis is an important task in continuing education for the companies as well as for the course provider. After a classification of needs different strategies of identification and analysis are described, Young, university-based CEE centres are often faced with a certain pressure to supply courses and it is felt that not enough time is left for careful study of needs. Another point is that academic institutions have certain ‘sensor’ functions and often realise future technological trends at an early stage. Companies faced with everyday problems have to be motivated to deal with problems of tomorrow. An integrated approach to technology transfer and CEE is described as an example of an advanced procedure in CEE provision.