Innovation training within the Australian advanced manufacturing industry

Abstract

Innovation has emerged as a core driver for the future profitability and success of the manufacturing sector, and increasingly both governments and the private sector are examining ways to support the development of innovation capabilities within organisations. In this research, we have evaluated a government-funded innovation training course designed to improve the capacity of businesses to innovate that are operating in the Australian advanced manufacturing sector. Using a well-regarded training evaluation model we identified the parts of the innovation curriculum that tangibly impacts the approach to innovation activities by manufacturing organisations. These include, most broadly, innovation project management, intellectual propert and open/directed innovation. We also identify that skills-based learning and certain pedagogies seem best suited to achieving improvement in innovation management, specifically a workshop method of delivery, experiential learning, trainers with relevant previous experience, and takeaway tools that participants could utilise in their workplaces.

Keywords:

• innovation training
• evaluation and effectiveness
• curriculum development