Skills needed for innovation: a review

This research argues that there has been little explicit empirical research or theoretical writing on how skills and skill-formation contributes to innovation. While there are researchers working and writing in both areas, there appears to be limited research and literature linking the two. In addition, there appears to be little communication between the two groups. A review of the literature covering both fields shows that the terms 'skill' and 'innovation' have been defined imprecisely, resulting in a range of inconsistent and contested meanings. It also shows that although its benefits have long been recognised, at any point in time, most organisations are not engaged in innovation through formal research and development activities. Innovation that does occur usually emerges as a result of incremental changes to existing processes and products, and is limited in scope. In the limited literature that looks at the link between skills and innovation, there is recognition that the relationship is complicated. However, information is limited on the combination of skills thought to be necessary for innovation to occur.

This paper argues that there is a need for greater clarity and consistency in the definition of the key concepts of skill and innovation, and suggests a possible way forward, by highlighting the need for an integrated approach to skills and arguing for a more robust and versatile definition of skill. In relation to innovation it is noted that the best definition at the present time is that contained in the Oslo Manual, although this is a large 'fit all' definition. It is also argued that there is a need for a more integrated approach to research into the links between the two concepts to achieve better explanatory and practical outcomes.

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