Validating the FINCODA Innovation Barometer

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Psychometric validation of a tool for Innovation Competencies Development and Assessment

Dr. René Butter and Wilke van Beest, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

The European Commission states that innovation is the main driver of economic growth in the EU. Accordingly, also universities of applied sciences are challenged to support students in developing their innovation skills. This effort is not limited to universities, but continues in business. The FINCODA (Framework for Innovation Competencies and Assessment) barometer is a formative online self-assessment tool for students and professionals that serves as a boundary object between the worlds of education and business. It raises awareness of what is needed to contribute successfully to innovation projects, teams or companies. It sheds more light on the benefits for students and professionals of participating in innovation projects. It also facilitates selection of innovators by supporting structured behavioural interviewing. Unlike most existing instruments, the FINCODA barometer has an adequate reliability and validity. The FINCODA dimensions show positive and significant correlations with self-rated and supervisor-rated innovative behaviour and qualitative examples of innovation success.

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Euram2017
 
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Oliver Caunt

Oliver Caunt is the Managing Director of family business, John Caunt Scientific Ltd, who specialise in nuclear instrumentation design and manufacture. Oliver relocated the business to the Bury in 2005 and has since overseen stable growth from £1m turnover to just under £2m.

With roots firmly established in the SME landscape, Oliver is a strong champion of entrepreurship and positive collaboration. He is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme; has led a successful £1m grant application in collaboration with the University of Liverpool to develop world-class nuclear reactor safeguards and operations technology; is a member of a pan-European academic/commercial collaborative project- FINCODA - setup to establish a global standard tool to define and identify innovative competencies in people for the benefit of post graduates and employers; is a participant in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's SME mentor programme; was nominated as one of the North West Insider Magazine's 42 under 42 (faces of the future) in 2012; was the best in class for Technology in the Made in Bury Business Awards 2013; a member of the IoD99 (Institute of Directors 99 select entrepreneurs) and is now a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers in London.

Oliver lives in Ramsbottom with his wife, Ivona, and 2 young children. He spends as much time as possible out in the countryside with the kids, the dog, running and on his mountain bike, as well as enjoying the many excellent local restaurants and pubs in the area!