NEF: The Innovation Institute is launching an accreditation system to help companies benchmark the effectiveness of their innovation strategies.
Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE) is the only accreditation of its kind in Europe that assesses an organisation’s entrepreneurial culture and the ability of its workforce to think creatively and to share knowledge.
Developed in collaboration with leading international STEM- (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) based companies, IKE accreditation helps directors, stakeholders and investors assess the long term impact of innovation modules within learning, training and talent development programmes.
IKE accreditation is set to become a key differentiator for companies seeking to recruit and retain top talent: employees that successfully pass IKE-accredited courses receive a Certificate of Professionalism in Innovative Practice from NEF. They are also invited to become lifelong members or fellows of the Institute, and will be supported by regular seminars, workshops, conferences, journals and research publications that focus on sharing knowledge and best practice across a diverse range of sectors.
IKE accreditation can be applied to a broad spectrum of courses, including induction, graduate training, employee development, leadership and apprenticeship programmes. It is suitable for public and private sector organisations, as well as educational institutions.
Professor Sa’ad Medhat, Chief Executive of NEF said:
“NEF has been working with industry, government and education for more than a decade to provide quality assurance for STEM-based learning, training and development.
“Over the past few years we have identified a clear need for a standard that helps organisations understand and strengthen the impact of their innovation initiatives, enabling a sustainable culture of creativity to flourish across all departments.
“The initial focus of IKE-accredited programmes is on recognising and celebrating the innovation capability of individuals. Over the longer term this accreditation should also help organisations to become more agile, accelerating their internal entrepreneurial activities and building a greater innovation ethos.
“We are delighted at the enthusiastic response that this standard has already received from industry and academia and will be announcing the first tranche of IKE-accredited organisations very soon.”
Click here to see NEF’s FAQs on IKE Accreditation. For more information contact NEF: The Innovation Institute on 0208 786 36 77 or info@ikegroup.org
To arrange an interview with Professor Sa’ad Medhat, call Emma Crates on (07843) 273103 or email emma.crates@ikegroup.org
NOTES for Editors
About NEF: The Innovation Institute
NEF is an independent professional body that focuses on professionalising innovation to drive growth and performance excellence in business education and government. Ever since it was formed in 2004, NEF has been creating stronger connections between industry and education through support programmes and interventions for individuals and organisations. The Institute has worked with more than 500 companies, supported more than 250 FE colleges with grant awards and developed more than 70 coherent STEM strategies that have impacted positively the lives of more than 500,000 students.
NEF’s work is guided by the Innovation Council that brings together over 40 chief officers from business and industry representing all aspects of the UK economy.
About Prof Sa’ad Medhat
Prof Sa’ad Medhat founded NEF: The Innovation Institute in 2004, following a string of leading positions in industry and academia. Former roles include Vice President of Future Media Plc, IBM Professor of Concurrent Engineering (Worldwide), Founding Principal and Chief Executive of the University of Dubai and Director of the Engineering and Technology Board.
Prof Medhat is also a governor of Activate Learning (a group of colleges in Oxfordshire and Berkshire) and sits on the boards of a number of international companies. His entrepreneurial leadership has resulted in the creation of several start-ups as well as national and international initiatives in product development, technology transfer and learning and development.
