Work in Progress
Vocational education and training, innovation and globalisation
Summary
- Item:
- 10188
- Title:
- Vocational education and training, innovation and globalisation
- Type:
- Managed research project
- Project no:
- NR1012
- Status:
- Finished
- Date commenced:
- 30 September 2001
- Contact:
- Veronica Volkoff
- phone: +61 3 9925 3329
- email: veronica.volkoff@rmit.edu.au
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify and compare the conditions that enable VET to facilitate innovation in a cross-section of industrialised countries and use the results as the basis for an in-depth analysis of VETs contribution to innovation in Australia.
Approach
Literature review
International study covering 6 countries
Surveys via interviews/questionnaires
Research questions
1. What is innovation, and national innovative capacity?
2. What are the national industrial and social conditions that facilitate innovation, including:
- What are the characteristics of organisational cultures and practices that are conducive to innovation?
- What is the impact of globalisation on these conditions?
3. What is the role of VET in the facilitation of innovation, including:
- How do systemic processes and practices impact upon the capacity of VET to foster innovation?
- What are the characteristics of the VET workforce that are conducive to innovative practice?
4. What aspects of the Australian VET system(s) and practices best contribute to innovation, and what are the areas for improvement.
Methodology
The methodology has an international and Australian perspective:
* interviews with international agencies
* interviews with agencies in 6 countries (UK, Denmark, Germany, USA, Singapore, Korea)
* interviews with national and state training representatives
* interviews with representatives of 3 industries
Stage 1
* Development of working definition of innovation and national innovation capacity
* Interviews with personnel in international agencies such as ILO, UNESCO, World Bank, OECD
* Survey a minimum of 5 relevant experts in the 6 countries using interview or questionnaire
* Prepare comprehensive comparative analysis in the role of VET in innovation in the 6 countries
* Outline VET's role in innovation
Stage 2
* Develop an interview schedule(s) to determine the opinions of relevant stakeholders on VET's contribution to innovation
* Conduct interviews with staff at ANTA, STAs, ITABs and enterprises in 3 industry areas (automotive, transport and distribution and tourism/hospitality)
* Analyse responses and draft report related to 3 industry areas.
Stage 3
* Prepare draft final report
* Prepare final report.
Organisations
The three nominated researchers, Dr Jack Keating, Ms Veronica Volkoff and Ms Jane Perry are based within the RMIT Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) Research Centre. The PCET research Centre incorporates the joint RMIT University-University of Melbourne ANTA Research Partnership: the Centre for Post Compulsory Education and Training. The work of these experienced researchers is recognised nationally and internationally, with indicators including publications and participation in national and international VET research and development projects. The team completed an NREC project undertaking a comparative study of VET systems in nine countries during 2000.
