Innovation education programs: toward a conceptual framework

Purpose - Innovation education has been identified as a key contributor to enhancing the innovative behaviour of individuals, organisations and economies; yet very little literature exists on the development and assessment of innovation education programs. This is particularly so in the higher education and vocational education domains. Our intention is to bridge this gap in the literature, by proposing a conceptual framework of a multi-dimensional innovation education program. Design/methodology/approach - We employ a transparent and reproducible procedure and critical appraisal of the literature; coupled with emergent inquiry and case study implementation of a leading international innovation education program. Findings - The study provides a framework by which innovation education facilitators may develop and evaluate their innovation education programs. The proposed framework provides a thematic appreciation of the multi-dimensional relationships between components. Research limitations/implications - Limited within the context of this case study, geographical context and scant literature on innovation education programs and reproducible procedure. Originality/value - Provides a conceptual innovation education framework, based upon a successful international innovation management program.