Innovation Competence Research Articles

STEM, STEAM OR STREAM-EDUCATION: IT IS YOUR CHOICE!

The article deals with an actual problem of the improvement of pedagogical education system, namely a new direction – STEM-STEAM-STREAM-education. The objective of the study is to outline the origins of the problem genesis, to analyze the essence and content of STEM-education, to identify the main problems and contradictions, to identify the main means of its implementation. Synergistic, systemic, competence-oriented and activity-oriented approaches have become theoretical and methodological foundation of the study. The conclusion about the expediency of STEM-STEAM- STREAM-education combining has been made on the basis of theoretical analysis of the problem and the students of higher pedagogical institutions questionnaires. It will allow to develop left and right hemispheres of a brain simultaneously, which will contribute to its holistic functioning. With the aim of formation of future natural sciences teachers’ key and subject competences the means of STEM- STEAM-STREAM-education have been determined. That is the implementation of environmental projects in the process of education. The essence and methodology of the following projects implementation have been characterized: «Plastic bottle – a valuable thing from the past or a useless thing of nowadays? », «Let’s save the Christmas tree together», «Destruction of nature», «Eco-feeder for our feathered friends», «Clean gullies – clear conscience». Enumeration of competences based on the reflection of students’ own activities, the formation of which is mostly facilitated by the mentioned project activity has been determined. Fulfilment of eco-projects has a positive effect on the development of components of innovative competence of the students of higher pedagogical institutions (the ability to apply scientific methods of cognition in the educational process, the ability to use innovations in professional activities, the ability to apply various approaches to solving problems in pedagogical activities). The prospects for further study consist in the research of the following problem: preparation of future natural sciences teachers for modeling of educational activity using STEAM-technologies and their significance in the methodology of forming a model of bioethical behaviour of school students on the basis of the concept of sustainable development.

REFLECTION IN THE STRUCTURE OF INNOVATIVE COMPETENCE OF TEACHERS IN GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The issue of the article concerns the topical issue of innovative competence and its components. The author aimed to characterize one of the components of this education, which refers to the ability to analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of pedagogical activity, as well as to adjust it as necessary. It is about the skill of reflection as one of the leading features of a teacher with highly developed innovative competence, since the creation and implementation of innovations requires regular analysis not only of the process of implementing something new in the educational process but also of observing and evaluating the personality of the teacher as a specialist who carries out innovative activities. Thanks to the use of such methods of scientific research as system-structural and system-functional analysis, generalization and systematization of theoretical aspects of the topic, observation, and study of the products of pedagogical activity, the author conducted a review of scientific literature regarding the essence of innovative competence of a teacher of a general secondary education institution, its structure and key characteristics, in particular, reflection skills. In addition, the publication provides information on reflective competence, which, on the same level as innovative competence, occupies a prominent place in the system of professional characteristics of a teacher regulated by normative documents. The unifying feature for both is the skill of reflection, therefore the article also presents the views of domestic scientists on the essence of this phenomenon and methods of its development and improvement. In addition, practical tools (reflective questionnaires, tables; reflective essays; pedagogical portfolios, etc.) are characterized, which contribute to the formation and improvement of the ability to reflect on one's pedagogical activity, in particular innovative ones. The publication analyzes fragments of reflective essays from teachers of general secondary education institutions who took the experimental course "Innovative aspects of the teacher's activity". This made it possible to conclude the reflexive competence of teachers, the development of reflection skills, as well as to substantiate reflection as a component of innovative competence.

Enhancement of Innovation Competence of College Students Majoring in Mathematics Education through Curriculum Optimization

The innovation competence of K-12 education teachers undoubtedly plays a crucial role in fostering the innovation abilities of their students. K-12 mathematics education equips students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for their future studies in colleges and universities, helping them grasp complex techniques to address challenges in everyday life and their careers. Therefore, it is of great significance to study strategies for improving the innovation competence of college students majoring in Mathematics Education, as they will likely become K-12 education mathematics teachers directly after graduating from colleges or universities. In this paper, we study strategies for enhancing the innovation competence of college students majoring in Mathematics Education through curriculum optimization. We analyze and explain in detail the importance of innovation competence for college students majoring in Mathematics Education and the difficulties encountered in enhancing college students’ innovation competence. With the help of the analysis of the importance and challenges of enhancing college students’ innovation competence, we propose several strategies to improve the innovation competence of college students majoring in Mathematics Education based on curriculum optimization. The findings presented in this paper can be applied to develop strategies for college students majoring in Physics and Chemistry Education.

Innovative competences in public administration: The key to sustainable development, increasing financial efficiency and ensuring national security

The definition and analysis of innovation in this article focus on how it may be interpreted as a dramatic shift in public administration that results in new goods, new technology, new procedures, and the introduction of new ideals. Novel paradigms, novel approaches to management, and novel kinds of innovation characterize modern public management models. A paradigm shift and the emergence of a new public management model built on innovative competences are discussed when innovation in public administration results in new operational approaches. The research is carried out within the paradigm of ‘hybridity’ as a key characteristic of today world and, accordingly, challenges for public administration. Ecosystem model, implying innovative competence in public administration, based on the pillars of hybrid- thinking and foresight paradigm, is suggested as the most corresponding to realities of today.

Innovative competences in public administration: The path to sustainable development, financial efficiency and strengthening of national security

The article claims that modern transformation processes in the system of international relations have led to the emergence of a new set of security problems threats, challenges, and risks of a non-traditional series, differing from traditional, military-strategic threats in the parameters of their impact on modern states and their transboundary nature. Hybrid dangers have an increasing impact on societal domains. To further their political, ideological, or commercial goals, hybrid actors take advantage of the weaknesses found in intricately interconnected communities. Research makes an attempt to outline innovative competencies of public administration in the domains of national security and sustainable development within this complex environment.

Innovation in Family Businesses: A Bibliometric Analysis

Purpose –This research aims to find out the general movement and gaps in the innovation studies in family businesses by connecting them with studies in mainstream innovation literature.Design/methodology/approach –In this research, 926 documents published in 283 journals in the Web of Science database between 1997 and 2022 in the field of innovation in family businesses were analyzed. Bibliographic coupling analysis, co-citation analysis, co-word analysis, and trend analysis were carried out to evaluate the intellectual and conceptual structure of the field. Trends in the relevant literature were visually mapped by identifying journals, authors, research topics, and connections between them.Findings –According to the results of the intellectual structure analysis, family participation, family culture, family ownership, and socio-economic wealth issues come to the fore. Co-citation analysis findings indicate that the concepts of performance and sustainability, which have a strong relationship with entrepreneurship, will be among the important research topics in the near future.Discussion –The desire of family businesses to protect their assets causes them to avoid long-term risky innovation projects and their innovation speed to decrease. Family businesses tend to rely on external sources of knowledge and technology, focusing on incrementalrather than radical innovation. This tendency stems from the typical organizational climate of low formality and risk aversion in determining strategic choices and functional organizational structures with high decision-making autonomy. Intergenerational innovation should be focused on to create innovation competencies in future generations.

The construction of the index system for nurses' innovation competence evaluation in China: A Delphi study

BackgroundScientific and technological innovation has become the "key variable" of national social and economic development. Nurses' innovation ability can improve the quality of patient care, thus shorten the hospital stay, reduce the medical costs, and promote the rapid development of the nursing industry. Nowadays nurses have gradually involved in various innovation, but less concerns are focus on the evaluation of nurse’s innovation competence. ObjectiveTo develop evaluation index system for nurse's innovation competence. ParticipantsEleven experts with innovation experience from different regions in China. MethodsLiterature review and qualitative interview were used to establish first version of index system. Then, a two-round Delphi expert consultation was conducted to collect opinions from 11 experts. Then the final version of nurses' innovation competence evaluation index was used in one tertiary hospital for preliminary application. ResultsThe response rate of the two rounds was more than 90%, the expert familiarity coefficient was 0.818, the judgment coefficient was 0.918, and the authority coefficient was 0.868. The two rounds of expert coordination coefficient test showed P < 0.05. The evaluation index system of nurses' innovation competence includes 4 first-level indicators, 9 second-level indicators and 36 third-level indicators. The scores of innovation production and innovation subject were the lowest among all the first-level indicators when use this index for preliminary application. ConclusionThe constructed evaluation index system of nurses' innovation competence are scientific, reliable and practical, and can be used to promote nurse's innovation competence and innovation conversion competence in clinical practice. Hospital managers should pay more attention on cultivate nurse’s innovation competence and provide resources and multi-form platforms to support the nurses with innovative ideas and willingness.

청년창업가의 개인역량과 창업준비수준이 창업성과에 미치는 영향 요인 연구 : 창업컨설팅의 조절효과 중심으로

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of young entrepreneurs' individual competency and start-up preparation level on start-up performance and the moderating effect on the reliability and satisfaction of start-up consulting. To this end, 190 surveys collected for young entrepreneurs living across the country were used for empirical analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis was conducted using SPSS v28.0. As a result of the analysis, first, it was found that item selection and start-up preparation period had a significant effect on start-up performance, which is a dependent variable among young entrepreneurs' individual competencies, and it was found that start-up funds did not significantly affect start-up performance among individual competencies in leadership competency, technological innovation competency, and start-up preparation level. Second, the moderating effect, consulting reliability and satisfaction, was found to partially control the individual competency and start-up performance of young entrepreneurs, and there was no moderating effect between the start-up preparation level and start-up performance of young entrepreneurs. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the individual competency and start-up preparation level of young entrepreneurs are important variables as they affect start-up performance. The results of these studies are hoped to be helpful to young entrepreneurs preparing for start-ups and policy makers for start-up support in customized policies for fostering young entrepreneurs.

Balancing Tradition with Innovation: Reform and Practice of Genetics Experiments for International Students in the Aeronautics and Astronautics and Civil Aviation

Genetics experiments are an integral part of the core curriculum for undergraduate students in the life sciences, and are essential for cultivating innovative talent in line with the evolving demands of contemporary higher education. This research explores innovative reforms and practices in genetics education for international students against the backdrop of ‘San Hang’ (Aeronautics, Astronautics, and Civil Aviation). By combining traditional experiments with the latest advances in genetic research and technology, the study enhances the exploratory and practical dimensions of the experiments. The introduction of open-ended experimental design empowers students to independently identify problems, formulate hypotheses, and conduct experimental verification, thereby fostering their innovative thinking and practical skills. The results show that these reforms have improved the quality of teaching, refined the content of experiments, and established a distinctive ‘San Hang’-oriented genetics teaching system that fosters a holistic set of innovative competencies in students.

How knowledge-based HRM practices affects aspects of innovation capability through knowledge management: the moderating role of innovative culture

Purpose Given the important of knowledge resource and human capital for improving innovation competence, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of knowledge-based HRM practices on product and process innovation of firms via the mediating role of knowledge management capability and moderating role of innovative culture. Design/methodology/approach The paper used structural equation modeling and empirical data collected from 271 participants in 156 manufacturing and service firms to examine the level of how knowledge-based HRM practices and knowledge management affect product and process innovation under the moderating role of innovative culture. Findings The research findings confirm the mediating roles of knowledge management between knowledge-based HRM practices and two specific types of innovation namely product and process innovation. It also firstly reveals the positive moderating role of innovative culture in enhancing the effects of knowledge management on product innovation. The results underline the necessity of building an innovative climate and knowledge-based HRM practices to stimulate knowledge management for improving innovation capability of firms in the developing and emerging markets. Research limitations/implications The paper helps bring deeper insights to leaders and practitioners about the new knowledge-based approach that enhances innovation competence for organizations. Originality/value The paper significantly contributed to theoretical and practical initiatives on theory of HRM practices and knowledge management by showing different moderating and mediating mechanism thereby firms can follow to enhance innovation capability of firms in developing and emerging markets.

A bibliometric study on the effects of e-learning technologies on innovative competency development of university librarians and smart library services

Purpose The purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to discover the published information on the effects of e-learning technologies on innovative competency development of university librarians and smart library services. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on bibliometric research methodology. The data were retrieved from the leading database Web of Science to analyze the scholarly publications on the topic during 1965–2023. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software were used to analyze the bibliometric data on the subject. Findings Results displayed that the topic of e-learning technologies in the domain of librarianship has been greatly used by several authors as a title to publish their research work. The dominance of countries such as the USA, China and the UK in research output reveals their leadership in advancing research and innovation in the field of e-learning technologies for university libraries. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first bibliometric study that has been conducted to measure the productivity of literature at the international level on the effects of e-learning technologies on innovative competency development of university librarians and smart library services.

Design of Self-Educational Activity of the Future Teacher as Leading Factor in the Formation its Innovative Competence (Methodological Aspects)

Education is the basis for the economic and spiritual development of any society. Modern education system places demand on the teacher, such as professionalism, soft skills, mobility, and the ability to process creatively an ever-increasing flow of information and apply it competently in practice; thus, the preparation of a future teacher is a social order in relation to higher pedagogical education. Nowadays the development of the concept of lifelong education is being strengthened, and university training turns into an extremely important stage with the main goal when the student must be prepared not only for practical activities, but also for further systematic improvement of their professional qualifications. Consequently, preparing a future specialist for self-education is a requirement of the modern education system of the country. It is obvious that the objective need of society is determined by the competitive ability of specialists in the world market, their adaptation to changing socio-economic conditions. The paper is devoted to the methodological approaches of the future teacher’s formation of the innovative competence.

Enhancing Human Resources Competency in a Defense University: Strategies and Best Practices

This systematic literature review examines strategies and best practices for enhancing human resources (HR) competencies within defense university environments, focusing on studies published between 2010 and 2023. Recognizing the distinct challenges faced by military educational institutions, the review identifies key themes and methodologies that contribute to effective HR development, including competency alignment with military culture, the integration of advanced training technologies, and leadership development frameworks. A total of 43 articles were analyzed from reputable databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a particular emphasis on research addressing competency frameworks, leadership training programs, and performance evaluation in military contexts. The findings underscore the importance of tailored competency models that adhere to military standards, the adoption of cutting-edge training technologies, and the promotion of continuous professional development. Furthermore, the review highlights successful case studies that demonstrate significant improvements in HR competencies within defense universities. These insights provide a valuable guide for institutions seeking to enhance their HR capabilities. The study concludes by offering recommendations for future research, particularly in exploring innovative competency models, the advancement of training technologies, and leadership development strategies that meet the evolving needs of military organizations.

The Impact of SMEs Capability for Service Innovation and Its Tactical Green Marketing on Sustainable Business Performance

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is now central to all firms. Customers now expect companies to promote sustainability and social well-being actively. This study examines the direct and indirect effects of stakeholder pressure (SP), corporate social responsibility (CSR), tactical green marketing orientation (TGMO), and service innovation competence (SIC) on five sectors of Pakistani Small and Medium enterprises’ (SME) sustainable business performance (SBP). The paper used a resource-based view and stakeholder theories. An online questionnaire collected data from 284 SMEs in five areas. The study tested its hypotheses using partial least squares (PLS) 4.0 path modeling. The study found that stakeholder pressure and corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect tactical green marketing and sustainable organizational performance. The data also shows that tactical green marketing mediates the impact of stakeholder pressure and CSR on sustainable business performance. Service innovation moderates the link between tactical green marketing orientation and sustainable business performance. This study seeks to clarify and improve the relationship between tactical green marketing and company sustainability. This It gives management a complete picture of the company’s long-term success.

WHAT MAKES AN INDIVIDUAL MORE INNOVATIVE? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON INDIVIDUAL INNOVATION COMPETENCIES

This paper aims to analyse the state of the art on innovation at an individual level and, more specifically, on innovation competencies, proposing the main definitions, classification of studies, and suggestions for future research. A systematic literature review was developed, with the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of 63 academic papers. We advance the literature by systematising the literature and highlighting the existence of two perspectives that address individual innovation competencies (IIC). One perspective that addresses aspects of the individual’s personality and psychological factors (individual innovativeness) and other related aspects of the individual’s observed behaviour and their practices and tools that allow them to be innovative (individual innovation capability). Furthermore, based on the systematic review and resulting analyses, opportunities for future research linked to the forms of evaluation, the antecedents, and consequences of IIC, as well as the context in which the research is carried out, are pointed out.

Influences of collaborative culture and knowledge management on product and process innovation: the moderating role of information technology utilization

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of collaborative culture on product and process innovation via mediating role of knowledge management and moderating role of information technology utilization.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used structural equation modeling to examine the level of how collaborative culture and knowledge management practices (KMC) affect two types of innovation capabilities, namely, product innovation and process innovation, using data collected from 313 participants in 128 manufacturing and service firms.FindingsThe research findings highlight positive mediating role of KMC between collaborative culture and two specific forms of innovation. In addition, the paper first confirms the moderating role of information technology utilization in the relationships between KMC and process innovation capability. The results underline the necessity of building a collaborative culture to enhance KMC for promoting innovation capabilities in an organization.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should explore the influence of potential benefits and values of collaborative culture on other strategic or behavioral factor to produce better innovation competence for firms.Practical implicationsThis paper offers CEOs/leaders a deeper understanding of the effects of key antecedents, mechanisms and processes to promote product and process innovation in their firms.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in the attempts to provide a prospective solution for firms to pursue and improve innovation by its meaningful insights on the mediating role of KMC and moderating effect of information technology utilization in the relationship between collaborative culture and specific dimensions of innovation capability.

Influence of Individualised Teaching Methods on Improving the Professional Flexibility of Future Primary School Teachers

The study aims to determine the effectiveness of individualised teaching methods for developing future primary school teachers' professional flexibility. The authors have developed individualised learning mechanisms that provide for the development of language competence, as well as mathematical, interdisciplinary and innovative competence. It has been determined that the most significant impact on the development of professional flexibility, in the opinion of teachers and students, was made by language and interdisciplinary competence, which contributed to the clarity of their thoughts. The study results showed the achievement of a high level of information assimilation by future teachers after training (0.74). It was found that individualised learning mechanisms contributed to the formation of developmental individualisation (23%) and creative thinking (22%) in the first place. The work's practical significance is finding effective mechanisms for forming professional flexibility for future primary school teachers.

Integrating Theory and Practice Through Innovation in Civil Engineering Education: A Course Based on Project Learning and the CDIO Approach

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an introductory civil engineering course employing the CDIO approach and project-based learning integrated with agile methodologies in developing practical skills and competencies among first-semester students. Theoretical Framework: Drawing on contemporary trends in engineering education, the study emphasizes active, experiential learning and the integration of theory with practice, enhancing both technical abilities and soft skills such as innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Method: The course uses a modular curriculum involving four projects: a provisional emergency bridge, a student residence building, a 3D printed truss, and a functional prototype of photovoltaic pavement. Each project involves design, planning, budgeting, construction, and rigorous testing, combining CDIO standards with project-based learning supported by agile methodologies. Results and Discussion: The course has successfully fostered essential engineering and soft skills in first-semester students, improving competencies in innovation, teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience through hands-on projects. Research Implications: Integrating project-based learning with the CDIO approach significantly improves educational outcomes, preparing students for real-world engineering challenges and transforming traditional teaching roles into mentorship-based approaches. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical evidence on the benefits of combining the CDIO framework with project-based learning, highlighting the need for practical, challenge-based learning opportunities to prepare students for modern engineering professions.

Extinction of central and local government accounting education: Self-reinforcing institutional processes—a Norwegian warning

IMPACT The increasing disconnect between academia and central and local government accounting (CLGA) practices have significant implications for the quality of public sector accounting (PSA) especially for preparers as well as users of governmental accounting reports. Particularly transparency and understandability of accounting are at stake. The extinction of CLGA education at higher education institutions (HEIs) will deprive public sector organizations of the opportunity to hire graduates who are knowledgeable about the peculiarities of the public sector. This article shows how the negative self-reinforcing processes that increase the decoupling of academia from accounting practice can be reversed by rethinking the way academia collaborates with practitioners. Policy-makers and public sector managers should encourage HEIs to establish innovative competence improvement courses in PSA and increase the number of public sector PhDs. Specifically, digital micro-courses that can be offered to identify problems and propose solutions related to central and local government accounting can be a tool to reduce the practice–academia disconnect.

Core-technology competence in perspective of supplier concentration: the mechanism of strategic aggressiveness and the influence of environmental uncertainty

ABSTRACT This study highlights the necessity of drawing more attention to core-technology competence, a specific dimension of firm innovation competence, when examining the overall supplier concentration-innovation relationship to respond to the unprecedented challenges in the supply chain and technological advancement. Still, the mechanism of strategic aggressiveness and the conditioning role of environmental uncertainty are not well explored in this concern. Therefore, it is necessary to combine these factors to analyse. Using the data from Chinese manufacturing firms from 2012 to 2020 and based on resource dependence theory, we construct a panel data model to conduct empirical analysis and obtain the following results: supplier concentration can hinder firms’ core-technology competence; supplier concentration would constrain firms’ strategic aggressiveness, subsequently impairing core-technology competence; while supplier concentration can limit strategic aggressiveness, high environmental uncertainty can mitigate these negative effects. The findings are beneficial for firms to cope with current challenges and enhance core-technology competence based on the global supply chain crisis and environmental uncertainty.