Future Innovators
In public policy the language of the 'knowledge economy' is giving way to a focus on enterprise and innovation as the building blocks of sustained economic and social success. In large part this is driven by an awareness of the changing demands of the twenty-first century workplace.
The onset of global competition and the rapid development of technology are drivers of a renewed focus on this area. Innovation – the successful exploitation of new ideas – is regarded as key to equipping organisations to compete in an increasingly competitive environment, and to empowering individuals to pursue their own hopes and aspirations.
Behind this shift is a heightened awareness of the skills and priorities that companies already regard as important and identify as key components of success in the future.
Yet despite the growing evidence-base provided by labour-market studies and national employer surveys, there is surprisingly little evidence on the perceptions, attitudes and aspirations of those who will be shaping the workplaces of the future: young people themselves.
This study with NESTA seeks to address that deficit. In this way, it is designed to help answer the key question:
To what extent do the perceptions of and attitudes of school-age pupils towards work and innovation differ from or complement the working world they are likely to experience?
If you would like to know more about the project please contact Duncan O'Leary.