Fostering creativity for the changing demands of innovative industry

Abstract

A survey of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was carried out, in the high-technology and innovative design services. It was to investigate the changing needs of the industry for innovation skills in its employees, and whether those needs are being met by graduates from further education and higher education. The survey found that the industry is changing its employment practices, and that leading further education colleges are investing in better training facilities, and forging closer links with industry. There is also a move towards more development of “soft skills” in students, which makes them better prepared for modern industry. Universities are turning their attention toward creative skills in general. However, the findings are inconclusive as to whether the current changes in education practices will be enough to meet the challenges of creative work in particular.