Sustaining innovation: perspectives from policy and the arts

Innovation is a hot issue in contemporary society. Governments around the world are racing to develop a knowledge-based economy propelled by innovation and supported by a lifelong learning society. The Victorian Government's policy statement 'Knowledge and skills for the innovation economy' (indexed at TD/VIC 71.01) indicates that there is a specific role for public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes in supporting innovation in industry in terms of delivering skills training that helps develop innovation in existing and emerging businesses. Yet as a TAFE teacher in the fields of visual arts, jewellery and object design, I find myself challenged by the government’s sense of innovation and the way innovation can be facilitated through TAFE teaching. It seems that the way 'innovation' is conceptualised and supported in Commonwealth government policy tends to shift attention away from developing skills that enhance innovation in industry. This paper explores the apparent contradiction between what counts as 'innovation' in government policy and in arts practice, and the implications for vocational education and training (VET). It aims to make a case for the way vocational education in the arts contributes to the national innovation agenda. The paper is organised into four main sections. First the research on which the paper is based is outlined. I then document the character of Commonwealth government policies aimed at building Australia’s capacity in innovation. In the next section, this policy discourse is set against a range of commentaries on Arts practice and the nature of innovation within the arts articulated by artists, scientists and business. Finally, these insights are drawn together to suggest how VET, and arts education in particular, could support the national innovation agenda.

Published abstract.

Available papers from the 10th Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) Conference are indexed from TD/TNC 89.401 to TD/TNC 89.447. Show less