Unlocking the UK’s innovation potential: Insights from the Innovation Skills Focus webinar
Innovate UK’s Innovation Skills Focus Event, convened a dynamic mix of educators, policy makers, industry experts, and innovation leaders to explore how skills, standards, and collaboration can empower a future-ready workforce. As part of the Talent & Skill Connect focus, this session focused on how education, inclusion, and innovation management standards are helping to unlock the UK’s innovation potential and build confidence in our next generation of talent.
Key insights from the Innovation Skills Focus webinar
1. Empowering innovation through intellectual property (IP) literacy
Lisa Redman from the Intellectual Property Office emphasised the importance of IP knowledge across all sectors and age groups – from primary education to business. IP rights protect creations of the mind, and understanding these rights helps individuals and organisations make informed decisions, manage collaborations, and protect innovations globally. The IPO’s suite of free, digital-first tools supports the development of critical IP skills, including “IP Tutor”, “IP Equip”, and “IP Health Check”.
2. Inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems
Rob Wilson of The Open University outlined their mission to create the UK’s most inclusive entrepreneurial learning community through “Open Business Creators” programme. With a three-pillar framework – Curious, Serious, and Growth – the initiative provides open access learning, mentorship, and targeted support for underrepresented groups. Their ambition is to foster a million-strong network of entrepreneurs across the UK, offering tailored support from online bootcamps to place-based mentorship and funding.
3. Innovation literacy in apprenticeships
Coral Grainger of Greater Manchester Colleges shared the success of their “Innovation Literacy Programme” for apprentices. With the potential to equip 7500 apprentices with the skills and confidence to advocate for innovation in their workplaces, the initiative aims to diffuse innovation practices across businesses in all boroughs of Greater Manchester. The programme includes practical modules on ideation, testing, business case development, and creating a culture of innovation – supported by plans to scale through digital badging and micro-credentials.
4. Standards-based innovation management
Jon Raines of Mott MacDonald introduced the ISO 56000 innovation management standards, highlighting how they offer a flexible yet structured framework for managing innovation processes. He underscored the importance of systemic and systematic thinking, especially under conditions of uncertainty, and how aligning with international standards can enhance collaboration, leadership, and strategic impact. He also announced plans for an Institution of Innovation Management to professionalise the discipline.
Turning insights into action
Key recommendations emerged across the sessions, including:
- Fostering IP awareness and digital accessibility to build innovation capacity from the classroom to the boardroom.
- Scaling inclusive entrepreneurial programs that remove barriers for underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities, neurodivergence, or from low socio-economic backgrounds.
- Embedding innovation skills in apprenticeships and technical training, ensuring learners can contribute meaningfully to business growth and productivity.
- Promoting collaboration and alignment with global standards to ensure innovation practices are robust, measurable, and future-ready.
- Encouraging the creation of shared resources and tools, including train-the-trainer models and open access learning platforms, to ensure consistency and quality as initiatives scale.
Conclusion
The Innovation Skills Focus Event demonstrated that building a resilient innovation workforce requires collective effort, consistent standards, and inclusive opportunities. As the real innovation landscape evolves, these insights will continue to guide meaningful change across sectors.
Stay tuned to Talent & Skills Connect for future events, updates, and collaborative opportunities.
Webinar recording
Watch the full Talent & Skills Connect: Innovation Skills Focus webinar recording.
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