Innovation is defined as creation or introduction of something new or finding better ways of doing something and new ways to look at problems. However, it is only after the ‘new or activities is applied that it becomes innovation, thereby adding value to the current operations, process or community.

Innovation is one of the sources of economic growth, collective well-being, education and environmental sustainability. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the business landscape is changing and knowledge and skills required have changed. The ability to innovate, adopt new innovations and learn how to use them, is inevitable if you want to stay relevant and keep up with those changes.

Innovation in vocational education encourages teachers and students to explore, research and use all the tools to uncover something new. It involves a different way of looking at problems and solving them. The thinking process that goes into it will help students develop their creativity and their problem solving skills. Innovation does not mean creating something from nothing. Just like with any good science project, it relies on researching existing solutions to come up with a new hypothesis to test.

Many mistakenly believe innovation has to do with the use of technology or “new inventions." There are several ways to approach vocational education including introducing small changes to your instructional delivery and establishing industry collaborations. To do something differently requires coming up with an approach, process, product or strategy. Learning experiences could be redesigned to be far more relevant to student interests and career paths, personalized to their aptitudes and abilities, and responsive to their culture and identities

Innovation should not be approached as rocket science. Rather than focusing on the challenge of innovation, focus should be on paving the way for innovative practices and innovation. Innovation can be implemented on an individual and institution level. It should begin with the following: • Set clear goals that are aligned with your strategy • Define your main goal and then break that goal into smaller, more achievable milestones. • Constantly review your approach ensuring the approach enhances existing systems • Keep the learner at the core and create value for their learning journey • Build an innovative culture by promoting active collaboration • Establish balance between short- and long-term performance

Here are some very popular common examples of innovation in vocational education: • Competency-Based Learning • Remote learning - Video Streaming/Flipped Classroom/eLearning Trends • Blended learning • New pedagogies and learning strategies • The use of:  Learning Management Systems  Open Curriculum  Digital textbooks  Virtual And Augmented Reality  3D Printing

Innovation in itself can be challenging so innovating should not mean reinventing the wheel. Instead, you can use some of the existing vocational education tools that have proven to be great for creating and adding value to learners. Here are a few innovation tools and resources available: • Strategy tools • Process tools • Idea generation and validation tools • Idea management software These practical tools help turn knowledge into concrete actions enhancing the innovation journey.

Culture is the number one hurdle to innovation, as it is deeply ingrained into operations, often implicit and the slowest to evoke change. Any attempt at creating a culture of innovation with vocational education programs requires a shift in mindset, leadership which exemplifies these values. These are a few barriers encountered when creating a culture of innovation: • Lack of leadership support • Lack of operational support – processes, incentives to support culture change • Lack of systematic plan for dealing with objections • Variance between policy and implementation These barriers can be overcome by • Establishing clear goals, expectations and performance standards • Collectively and clearly communicating same • Keep the team informed of progress • Providing examples of success

Creativity and innovation are closely linked. In a culture devoid of innovative practices, often time program and institution leaders need to motivate their team. Allowing vocational educators to explore ideas and act on them acts a natural motivator. Vocational educators often seek to improve their instructional delivery, such actions should be encouraged explored and supported. Supporting and cultivating such activities would motivate vocational educators to adopt and express their creativity. Adding incentives is another great way to encourage creativity.

While there are no one size fix all approach to innovation, here are some simple steps to get you started: • Review your current instructional strategies. • Explore new ways to add value to your learners. • Take small steps – small steps can be just as effective as big steps