In the final part of his series looking at the strategic considerations behind the closing of the innovation gap in FE, Rhys Davies examines where the gaps are and how FE and Training providers can benefit from the opportunities currently being presented. The first part of the series, looking at the importance of innovation, is available here; and the second part, looking at barriers to innovation and solutions, is available here.
Funding in the UK for research and development (R&D) activity comes primarily from business, with the UK government contributing significantly less than the 2019 OECD average. After business, Higher Education Institutions rank second, contributing significantly higher than HEIs from comparative countries in innovation activity (Policy Links, 2022). Other key actors in the contribution to innovation systems include Catapult centres [1], which have the capacity to collaborate in realising innovation outcomes, LEP Growth Hubs, charitable institutes, incubators and accelerators. The emergence of Institutes of Technology (IOTs) in recent years has allowed FE Colleges to collaborate with Higher Education and business partners to offer leading edge, niche training and development. [2]
Given that HEIs will continue to take a lead in R&D activity, VET providers are increasingly finding their place in this innovative ecosystem through providing ‘hands on experience’, working with employers to bring people with skills and work-based technical competencies to fill skills gaps in their organisations, which recruiting from universities does not succeed in doing. In parallel, staff with industry experience can help businesses to develop and can drive innovation using individual or group student research projects at the colleges. Activities in this theme include work-based student projects, work placements and secondments both to industry and to colleges. (Baxter, 2020)
