FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES AND INNOVATION

The role of Further Education (FE) colleges in supporting innovation has largely been neglected but has huge potential. We know that a lack of relevant management and technical skills are a barrier to the successful diffusion of new technology, particularly to SMEs. FE colleges have a key role to play in providing these skills. But research* has also identified significant potential for FE colleges to assume more responsibility for supporting businesses to develop new capabilities that will unlock opportunities for innovation-led economic growth.

Innovation in business, as defined by the OECD Oslo Manual (2018), refers to the implementation of a new or significantly improved product, process, marketing strategy, or organisational method that creates value for a firm, its customers, or both. This innovation is not limited to revolutionary technological advancements but also includes continuous, incremental improvements.

Radical innovation involves breakthroughs that establish entirely new markets or disrupt existing ones, such as the development of the internet or the introduction of electric vehicles. In contrast, incremental innovation focuses on the gradual improvement of existing products, processes or services. Colleges may well have stronger links with SMEs than other organisations in the innovation ecosystem, and these SMEs would benefit from engaging in incremental rather than radical innovation.

THE ROLE OF COLLEGES IN SUPPORTING INCREMENTAL INNOVATION

Training
Colleges can offer specialised training programs to help employees learn new skills, such as advanced manufacturing techniques, digital tools, or updated methods that support ongoing small improvements.

Collaborative applied research
Colleges can work with businesses to research ways to improve existing products or processes, which can lead to gradual innovations.

Student projects
By partnering with businesses, students can work on real-life business challenges, bringing fresh ideas while giving companies a chance to test out potential improvements.

Knowledge Transfer
Close relationships with colleges give businesses access to the latest industry knowledge, research, and technology, which can be used to make small but meaningful changes.

Workshops and Consultancy
Colleges can organise workshops and offer consulting services tailored to a company's needs, focusing on incremental improvements by adopting new tools, techniques, or management approaches.

* Vorley, T, Nelles, J, and Baxter, E (2021). Rethinking the role of FECs in innovation ecosystems. Innovation Caucus: Oxford. https://innovationcaucus.co.uk/app/uploads/2021/10/Rethinking-the-Role-of-FECs-in-Innovation-Ecosystems_October-2021.pdf