New Background Document backing Policy on Systemic Innovation (Opening Article JSIE)

This New Background Document on Systemic Innovation is the Opening Article of JSIE and follows the Open Call to deepen/expand the previous Consultation Working Document,    ‘Systemising’ systemic innovation: policy priorities   , previously submitted to the Commission's Next Generation Lifelong Learning Programme. More information: www.essie-society.org

Abstract

Deep societal change affects our modern society with very strong repercussion for our educational system. The problem though is that many individuals experience change in compartmentalised, separate and seemingly independent ways. Most live in medias res i.e., not grasping the whole picture and having no view on the interconnected whole. With familiar and traditional structures vanishing, many in education feel disoriented and are left disempowered. To counter the problems of our modern time, there is an urgent need to frame the developments more coherently and provide a systemic response, a response which incorporates the best of learning. Systemic innovation intends to revisit and restructure the organisation of the educational ecosystem, i.e., educational processes, stakeholder models and funding systems, in light of a much broader discussion to move onward. Debating the restructuring of education in view of systemic change, must be done with open eyes to all interests, for change to be forged and results to cater proficiency and prosperity. Priorities for systemic innovation must be addressed in accordance with society, i.e., the anticipated strengths and weaknesses of civil society, government, education and business. Lessons must be learned from paradigmatic change in such industries as IT and telecom; witnessing both intensive competition as well as cooperation between old and new players, including acts of takeovers and mergers. To influence the developments in education and overcoming an innovation gap, proactive measures must be taken: support must be gained to dynamically configure networks for systemic innovation throughout different sectors of education. In this article, the author presents a discourse and synopsis on the systemic innovation of education. It is a prelude to a much wider appeal to join forces: forge action, gain momentum and shift paradigm.

Keyword: Systemic, Innovation, Education, Reform, Discourse, Change, Paradigm.