Buradasınız

Relationship between vocational training centres and industrial SMEs in the Basque Country: A regional innovation system approach

Journal Name:

Publication Year:

DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.3926/ic.2011.v7n2.p329-355
Abstract (2. Language): 
Purpose: The aim of this document is to analyse the reach of the relation between vocational training (VT) centres and industrial SMEs in the Basque Country (Spain), and its influence on innovation processes developed by companies. Design/methodology/approach: We employ the conceptual framework offered by the Regional Innovation System (RIS) perspective and the information supplied, on the one hand, by relevant actors within the vocational training system, through in-depth interviews, and, on the other, by the response of industrial SMEs to a survey. Findings: The results obtained suggest that vocational training centres are an agent of significance within the RIS, contributing through its main lines of action (formal education, continuous training and company services) to improving the competitiveness of companies and to stimulating their innovation processes. Research limitations: Although this paper has described the nature of the main mechanisms of relation between VT centres and industrial SMEs, there is a need for ongoing research to analyse the contribution of the educational system to innovation processes in industrial SMEs. For this purpose it would be interesting to measure how the skills of qualified workers and technicians coming from the VT system mesh with company innovation processes. Originality/value: The results of this study highlight a positive relationship between vocational training and innovation.
329-355

REFERENCES

References: 

ASHEIM, B.; GERTLER, M. (2005). The Geography of Innovation: Regional Innovation Systems, in FAGEBERG, J., MOWERY, D.; & NELSON, R. (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Press: 291-317.
ASHEIM, B.T.; COENEN, L. (2005). Knowledge bases and regional innovation systems: comparing Nordic clusters. Research policy, 34(8): 173-190. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2005.03.013
BASTERRETXEA, I.; GONZÁLEZ, A.; SAIZ, M.; SIMÓN, L. (2002). Colaboración entre los centros de Formación Profesional y las empresas en la Comunidad Autónoma Vasca. Leioa: Editorial Service of the University of the Basque Country.
BOSCH, G.; CHAREST, J. (2008). Vocational training and the labour market in liberal and coordinated economies. Industrial Relations Journal, 39(5): 428-447. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2338.2008.00497.x
BRACZYK, H., COOKE, P.; HEIDENREICH, R. (Eds.) (1996). Regional Innovation Systems. The Role of Governances in a Globalized World. London: University College London Press.
CEDEFOP (2010). La modernización de la formación profesional. Information note. July. Luxembourg: European Union Publications Office. http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/Files/9013_es.pdf
Intangible Capital - http://dx.doi.org/10.3926/ic.2011.v7n2.p329-355
- 352 -
COOKE, P., GÓMEZ, M.; ETXEBARRIA, G. (1997). Regional Innovation Systems: Institutional and Organizational Dimensions. Research Policy, 26(4-5): 475-491. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(97)00025-5
CURTAIN, R. (2004). Innovation and Vocational Education and Training, in DAWE, S. (Ed.). Vocational Education and Training and Innovation: Research Readings, Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER): 42-58.
DOLOREUX, D. (2003). Regional innovation systems in the periphery: the case of Beauce in Quebec (Canada). International Journal of innovation management, 7(1): 67-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S1363919603000738
EDQUIST, C. (1997). Systems of Innovation: Technologies, Institutions, and Organizations. London: Pinter.
FERRIER, F.; TROOD, C.; WHITTINGHAM, K. (2003). Going boldby into the future: a series of case studies of co-operative research centres and their relationships with the VET sector. Leabrook: National Centre for Vocational Education Research. http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/939.html
GEBAUER, A., WOON NAM, C.; PARSCHE, R. (2005). Regional technology policy and factors shaping local innovation networks in small German cities. European Planning Studies, 13(5): 661-683. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09654310500139301
GONZÁLEZ, M.C.; CUETO, B.; MATO, J. (2006). El papel de la Formación en Centros de Trabajo (FCT) en la inserción laboral de los titulados de ciclos formativos: el caso de Asturias, Revista de Educación, 341: 337-372.
GROTZ, R.; BRAUN, B. (1997). Territorial or transnational networking: spatial aspects of technology oriented cooperation within the German mechanical Engineering Industry. Regional Studies, 31(6): 545-557. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00343409750131686
GUTHRIE, H.; DAWE, S. (2004). Overview, in DAWE, S. (Ed.). Vocational Education and Training and Innovation: Research Readings, Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research: 10-19.
INCUAL. INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE CUALIFICACIONES (2008), Catálogo Modular de Formación Profesional. Madrid: Secretaría General Técnica del Ministerio de Educación, Política Social y Deporte.
Intangible Capital - http://dx.doi.org/10.3926/ic.2011.v7n2.p329-355
- 353 -
ISAKSEN, B.T.; ASHEIM, A. (2003). SMEs and the regional dimension of innovation, in ASHEIM, B.T.; ISAKSEN, A.; NAUWELAERS C. & TÖDTLING, F. (Eds.). Regional innovation policy for small-medium enterprises. Cheltenham: Edwar Elgar: 21-46.
KAUFFMANN, A.; TÖDTLING, F. (2003). Innovation pattern of SMEs, in ASHEIM, B.T.; ISAKSEN, A.; NAUWELAERS C. and TÖDTLING, F. (Eds.). Regional innovation policy for small-medium enterprises. Cheltenham: Edwar Elgar: 78-115.
LAVÍA, C., OTERO, B., OLAZARAN, M.; ALBIZU, E. (2010). Innovación y territorio: una encuesta a pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) industriales. Revista Internacional de Sociología, 69 (2): 461-486. http://dx.doi.org/10.3989/ris.2009.11.06
LUNDVALL, B.A. (Ed.) (1992). National Systems of Innovation: Towards a Theory of Innovation and Interactive Learning. London: Pinter.
LUNDVALL, B.A. (2002). Innovation, Growth and Social Cohesion: The Danish Model. Cheltenham UK: Edward Elgar.
LUNDVALL B.A.; CHRISTENSEN J.L. (2003). Broadening the Analysis of Innovation Systems – Competition, Organisational Change and Employment Dynamics in the Danish System, in CONCEICAO P., HEITOR M.V. and LUNDVALL B.A., Innovation, Competence Building and Social Cohesion in Europe. Towards a Learning Society. Cheltenham UK: Edward Elgar: 144-179.
LUNDVALL, B.A. (1992). National Systems of Innovation: Towards a Theory of Innovation and Interactive Learning. London: Pinter.
MASKELL, P.; MALMBERG, A. (1999). Localised learning and industrial competitiveness. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 23(2): 167–186.
MASKELL, P. (2001). Social capital, innovation and competitiveness, in Baron,S.; FIELD, J. & SCHULLER, T. (Eds.). Social Capital: Critical perspectives. Oxford: Oxford University Press: 111-123.
MOODIE, G. (2006). Vocational education institutions’ role in national innovation. Research in Post-compulsory Education, 11(2): 131-140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13596740600768901
NELSON, R.R. (Ed.) (1993). National Innovation Systems: A Comparative Analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Intangible Capital - http://dx.doi.org/10.3926/ic.2011.v7n2.p329-355
- 354 -
OECD (2001). The Well-being of Nations, The Role of Human and Social Capital. Paris: OECD.
OLAZARAN, M.; ALBIZU, E.; OTERO, B. (2009). Innovación en las pequeñas y medianas empresas industriales guipuzcoanas (‘Innovation in the industrial SMEs of the Guipuzcoa province’) Bilbao: University of the Basque Country Publishing Services.
RANGA, L.M.; MIEDEMA, J.; JORNA, R. (2008). Enhancing the innovative capacity of small firms through triple helix interactions: challenges and opportunities. Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, 20(6): 697-716. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09537320802426408
RODRÍGUEZ, M. (2005). La Formación en Centros de Trabajo: Datos sobre su desarrollo en la familia Administración en la Comunidad de Madrid. Revista Complutense de Educación, 16(1): 255-288.
ROSENFELD, S. (1998). Technical colleges, technology deployment and regional development. Modena, Italy: OECD.
STORPER, M. (1997). The regional economy. New York: Guilford Press.
TETHER, B.; MINA, A.; CONSOLI, D.; GAGLIARDI, D. (2005). A Literature Review on Skills and Innovation. How Does Successful Innovation Impact on the Demand of Skills and How Do Skills Drive Innovation?. Manchester: ESRC Centre for Research on Innovation and Competition (CRIC), University of Manchester.
TONER, P. (2009). Workforce Skills and Innovation: An Overview of Major Themes in the Literature. Paris: OCDE.
TONER, P.; MARCEAU, J.; HALL, R.; CONSIDINE, G. (2004). Innovation agents: Vocational education and training skills in the present and future Australian innovation system, in DAWE S (Ed.), Vocational Education and Training and Innovation: Research Readings. Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research: 84-105.
WHITTINGHAM, K.; FERRIER, F.; TROOD, C. (2004). Vocational education and training and the commercialisation of Australian research, in DAWE, S. (Ed.). Vocational Education and Training and Innovation: Research Readings. Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research: 106-117.

Thank you for copying data from http://www.arastirmax.com