Measuring Innovation in Education and Training Defining Innovation Brainstorming session Paris, 11 June 2009

Defining Innovation Many definitions of innovation. Common features: (1) something new (or significantly improved) and (2) useful Oslo Manual –OM- (2005): « The implementation of a new or significantly improved product (good or service) or process, a new marketing method, or a new organisational method in business practices, workplace organisation or external relations »

Defining Innovation The OM definition can be applied to education: –New products: New Curriculum –New process: ICT for learning: E-learning –New Organisational method: ICT to communicate with students –New Marketing: Pricing of postgraduate courses Notion of “Improvement”

Defining Innovation Potential challenge for determining improvement. Multiple stakeholders (e.g. consumer-student, teacher; citizen, tax payer) with multiple objectives (increase quality, equity, coverage, efficiency) Cultural values, social policies and political goals can influence the prioritisation of the different objectives

Discussion Questions Should de OM definition of innovation be applied for education? Alternatives? Would it be necessary to apply different surveys to different stakeholders? Who should answer the questions on improvements accruing from changes? Social, cultural and political values embedded in societies. Do they allow for cross-country comparisons? Changes in these values over time, allow for comparison in countries?