Download full-text (Open Access)Abstract
-
Purpose – This article explains how business internships can be used to develop innovation skills in
undergraduates.
Design/methodology/approach – Using work-integrated learning and current literature on innovation, this
article proposes a theoretical framework to design, implement, and measure outcomes of Innovation-Focused
Internships (IFIs). The article also uses an illustrative case study from an Australian university to discuss
practical use of this framework.
Findings – The theoretical framework illustrates that stakeholders (i.e., students, industry, and university)
need a common goal. Factors associated with managing innovation and student placements are key features of
the framework. The illustrative case study demonstrates ways in which students gather both professional
work experience and innovative skills.
Practical implications – The illustrative case study outlines practical strategies and challenges in IFI
programs. Managing innovation-related challenges requires adjustments from all the stakeholders.
Originality/value – This article modifies the existing stakeholder interdependency model of work-integrated
learning by combining it with innovation-related literature. The novel insights from the IFI program
demonstrate how factors associated with students, industry, and university, and associations between these
key stakeholders shape and determine IFI success.