Exploring Difference: Educating for Innovation

Wednesday 22th November 2023, 2:00-5:00 p.m. followed by a networking reception until 8 p.m.
Embassy of Canada, Leipziger Platz 17, 10117 Berlin

In today’s knowledge society, creativity thrives in collaborative and organizational settings. Therefore, “Educating for Innovation” is of paramount importance for universities. It equips students and researchers with the skills and mindset needed to navigate a rapidly changing world that relies on knowledge, information, and innovation. However, implementing this approach across the curriculum may pose a challenge to subject-focused university cultures.

Yet educating for innovation is crucial for societal progress. It empowers students with creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. It emphasizes entrepreneurial skills and cultivates a culture of exploration and experimentation. Educating for innovation prepares students to challenge the status quo, to seek novel solutions to complex problems, and it turns universities into catalysts for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

To better understand the significance of educating for innovation, several key questions arise:

1. 1. How can universities foster a culture of innovation among students and faculty across the curriculum?
   2. What teaching methods and pedagogical approaches are effective in nurturing innovative thinking?
   3. How can universities integrate interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage diverse perspectives to drive innovation?
   4. What role does technology play in supporting educational innovation, and how can it be effectively utilized in the learning process?
   5. How can universities bridge the gap between academia and industry to promote innovation and entrepreneurship?
   6. What measures can be taken to assess and recognize innovative skills and achievements among students?
   7. How can universities adapt their curricula to align with the emerging needs and demands of a rapidly evolving job market?
   8. What strategies can universities employ to promote inclusive and equitable innovation, ensuring that diverse voices and experiences are represented?
   9. How can universities reach a consensus that education for innovation actually is of special importance both for the students and their success in life but also for the quality of the research itself?