| Title: |
VET and the Diffusion and Implementation of Innovation in the Mining, Solar Energy and Computer Games Sectors. NCVER Monograph Series 06/2011 |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Dalitz, Robert; Toner, Phillip; Turpin, Tim; National Centre for Vocational Education Research |
| Source: |
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). 2011. |
| Availability: |
National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd. P.O. Box 8288, Stational Arcade, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Tel: +61-8-230-8400; Fax: +61-8-212-3436; e-mail: ncver@ncver.edu.au; Web site: http://www.ncver.edu.au |
| Peer Reviewed: |
N |
| Physical Description: |
PDF |
| Page Count: |
53 |
| Publication Date: |
2011 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations |
| Document Type: |
Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: |
Industry; Educational Innovation; Vocational Education; Mining; Energy; Computers; Games; Productivity; Skill Development; Case Studies; Creativity; Models; Competency Based Education; Knowledge Level; Questionnaires; Innovation |
| ISSN: |
1837-0659 |
| Abstract: |
Innovation is thought to improve productivity at the firm level and economic prosperity at the national level. This would seem to have implications for the skills and skills development of employees. However, little is known about the relationship between skills development and innovation. This report is the culmination of case studies exploring the interrelationship between innovation and education and training in three industry sectors--mining, solar energy, and computer gaming. Findings include: (1) Each sector experiences differing drivers of innovation and different processes of diffusion, with consequential differences in how the sector relates to the vocational education and training (VET) sector; (2) Creative and skilled people are at the heart of the innovation process, so the greatest contribution that formal VET can make is in establishing foundational knowledge and understanding, which build the capacity to learn; (3) Informal skills development plays a crucial role in providing the actual skills for innovation (such as using new equipment or processes), although theory learned in formal education is also important; (4) The present model of training packages, and the model of competency-based training which underpins it, have advantages in providing a common skills language but may hinder effective innovation because of the focus on current competencies rather than future innovation; and (5) VET providers are seen as slow to pick up on innovation. The messages are a fundamental challenge to the VET sector. They suggest that the focus on the competencies currently required by industry is misplaced--if everyone thinks innovation is critical. Rather, more emphasis should be placed on foundational knowledge, theory and building the capacity to learn. Appended are: (1) Method; and (2) Questionnaires. (Contains 5 tables, 2 figures and 11 footnotes.) |
| Abstractor: |
ERIC |
| Number of References: |
41 |
| Entry Date: |
2011 |
| Accession Number: |
ED524392 |
| Database: |
ERIC |