Teaching and learning innovation practice: a case study from Finland

Abstract

The article explores the question of how to teach and learn innovation in higher education institutions. A case study from Finland, a world leader in innovation rankings, shows how a practice-oriented model for learning 'innovation practice' was developed and implemented at the business school of the University of Eastern Finland. The case study shows how university-level business degree teaching can be attuned to learning innovation through experiential learning and real-life projects with companies and other organisations. The results are encouraging. The understanding of innovation has accelerated when measured by course feedback. Also, business students' interest in entrepreneurial action has increased within and outside coursework.