Article Gold Open Access 2024

Design-driven innovation in STEM disciplines in higher education: The role and impact of transversal competences

Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity
Journal · Vol. 10 · Issue 4 · Art. 100429
Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore students’ and academic staff’ perspectives on the importance of transversal competences in creating design-driven innovations within STEM disciplines in higher education, aiming to find solutions for the enhancement of transversal competences. Accordingly, the following research questions are explored in this study: 1) What is the connection between design-driven innovation and transversal competences in STEM disciplines in higher education? 2) How can students' and academic staff's self-assessment of transversal competences influence the creation of design-driven innovations? Throughout this study, the authors analyze the promotion of design-driven innovation by enhancing the transversal competences of academic staff of STEM disciplines and students. The exploration of qualitative components of transversal competences enable the identification of conditions that may contribute design-driven innovations in higher education. By examining the link between design-driven innovations and transversal competences, added value in competence, design and values-based higher education, based on socio-cultural environment and technological development. The results of the study, based on contemporary knowledge including survey data and focus group discussions on this topic, will be utilized as development conditions, an assessment system to promote progress towards design-driven innovations in higher education facilitated by the enhancement of transversal competences. © 2024 The Authors

Keywords

Author Keywords

Higher education transversal competences Design-driven innovations STEM disciplines

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
RTU Rezekne Academy, Rezekne, RE, Latvia
Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
Funding & Acknowledgements
Rīgas Tehniskā Universitāte, RTU
Grant: 5.2.1.1, 0/2/24/I/CFLA/003
Recovery and Resilience Mechanism grant for doctoral studies of Riga Technical University Nr. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/003, 2004.
Rīgas Tehniskā Universitāte, RTU
Recovery and Resilience Mechanism grant for doctoral studies of Riga Technical University Nr. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/003, 2004.
References 10 References
1 Akimov, Nurken, Components of education 4.0 in open innovation competence frameworks: Systematic review, Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9, 2, (2023)
2 Allina, Babette, The development of STEAM educational policy to promote student creativity and social empowerment, Arts Education Policy Review, 119, 2, pp. 77-87, (2018)
3 Bsss J Educ, (2023)
4 Atman, Cynthia J., Engineering design processes: A comparison of students and expert practitioners, Journal of Engineering Education, 96, 4, pp. 359-379, (2007)
5 Atman, Cynthia J., Comparing freshman and senior engineering design processes: An in-depth follow-up study, Design Studies, 26, 4, pp. 325-357, (2005)
6 Barnes, James L., Mixed methods approach for measuing international engineering, design and technology student exchange programs, ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings, (2012)
7 Bertrand, Marja Gabrielle, STEAM education: student learning and transferable skills, Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching and Learning, 13, 1, pp. 43-56, (2020)
8 Fablabs of Machines Makers and Inventors, (2013)
9 Bogers, Marcel L.A.M., Open innovation: Research, practices, and policies, California Management Review, 60, 2, pp. 5-16, (2018)
10 Borgford-Parnell, Jim L., From engineering design research to engineering pedagogy: Bringing research results directly to the students, International Journal of Engineering Education, 26, 4, pp. 748-759, (2010)
Quick Actions
Full Text via DOI
Citation Metrics
5
Times Cited (Scopus)

References 10
Document Identifiers