Understanding employer networks

This report develops our understanding of employer networks and their role in stimulating skills development and/or innovation. The project was commissioned as part of a series of work to inform a better understanding of levers to stimulate employer investment in skills and included other projects on understanding levies, and occupational regulation. The report explores the mechanics of how networks are established and organised, and why; drivers of employer engagement; the kinds of activities delivered for or by employers; the conditions which support network activity, as well as the challenges; and the outcomes and impacts on employer growth and investment in skills. Previous research has shown that there is considerable potential to make use of employer networks as a policy lever to increase skill levels and innovation in UK workplaces. The research supports the idea that employer networks can indeed have a substantial role. Case study employers reported that the most common benefits of network activities were: access to suitable training provision; reduced transaction costs of organising training and negotiating course content; and economies of scale through design of industry-standard qualifications. The report provides some valuable insights and discusses the implications for stakeholders who are engaged in investing in, leading and establishing networks to address skills gaps and innovative capacity. The learning from this research is of potential interest to organisations bidding for investment opportunities.

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