Abstract:
"Introduction to Innovation" is a unique cross- faculty subject that has just been introduced at
the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). This subject has been designed to address the
needs highlighted in numerous government reports on innovation and competitiveness. Three
interrelated innovation abilities are developed in a cross-disciplinary environment through
team-based activities and industry-based examples - these are the ability to generate ideas, to
manage innovation and to capitalise on ideas. "Introduction to Innovation" is a component of
UTS's new innovation education programs for cross-faculty technical undergraduates, and is
a required component in the Faculty of Engineering's new Innovation Major for the Bachelor
of Engineering.
UTS is at the forefront of innovation education initiatives with the real-world interaction with
industry and the creation of an innovative climate within the "Introduction to Innovation"
classroom. This subject provides tools and resources for potential innovators in an
environment that enhances idea generation by encouraging students with different technical
skills to actively engage with each other, and to appreciate each others' perspectives. The
cross-faculty collaboration behind this subject could provide a model for other innovative
educational developments to meet the changing needs of engineers, scientists and other
technical undergraduates.
