Case 6: Learning in the workplace
Collective learning can be a way of bridging the gap between formal education and industry. A number of innovation- oriented Small to Medium Enterprises have been set up by universities – for example the Know-Centre, an SME spin-off from the Technical University of Graz in Austria. The Know-Centre works carries our research and development through industry-academia partnership with a range of companies to help them improve their productivity and innovation through knowledge orientated solutions. Students of Computer Science from the Technical University of Graz are seconded to the Know Centre to experience working life and to learn on the job. The students work as employees, linking with employees in the KC and in other compies, and with researchers working on EU funded projects. The students develp and grow networks within which they sources, use/reuse knowledge from the collective as well as ontributing knowledge back.
How does collective learning take place – Students learn through sharing and co-creating knowledge with industry clients and other employees (or seconded students) within the Know Centre.