Better Concept: Lifelong Learning
Sweden , 2003 to Ongoing
Compendium: University Business Forum (UBF)
Background
Better Concept, where three universities developed free tailor-made distance learning courses for SME employees, was initiated in 2003 with a year’s funding and proved so popular that the Swedish universities of Borås, Skövde and Väst decided to develop it further. The two main problems in the region had been that there was no established connection between research, academic resources and SMEs and that the education level of SME employees needed to be at a higher level for companies to be competitive in the new knowledge- based economy.
Aims and targets
The primary purpose of Better Concept is to contribute to the region’s business and industry development by training SME employees. Creating connections between SMEs and universities is a productive way to encourage the exchange of knowledge and competence and boost the competitiveness of the companies and of the region. The courses cover Better Automation, Better Economics, Better Logistics, Better Product Development and Better Total Production Management — addressing crucial questions for SMEs such as streamlined production techniques and how to identify and communicate their strengths. They are university accredited and the credits gained could count towards a degree.
Funding is provided by the Region Västra Götaland regional authority.
div> Strategy and actions
At the end of the first series of five 15-week courses in 2003- 2004, 200 employees had participated. Western Sweden continued to fund the scheme, and many SMEs in remote areas of the region participated, gaining access to further education they might not have had the chance of otherwise. The region regards the courses as a worthwhile investment because it sees them as a direct way to improve competence and industrial development and to create a lively knowledge exchange.
The main partners involved are the 3 universities and the Region Västra Götaland regional authority.
Monitoring and evaluation
Funding/Cost effectiveness
Sustainability/Transferability
The courses continue so long as there is need and demand amongst regional SMEs.
Outcomes/impacts
Achievements
Many types of companies applied to the courses. At first they were mainly from engineering, industry and manufacturing, but later more service industry employees joined. Most of the employees who took the courses are in their forties and had not studied at university level before. Results reported by participating SMEs include the identification of new markets and new customers as well as, for some, savings of up to €300,000. By the autumn of 2009, some 1300 employees had participated in Better Concept courses.
Success factors
The programme was designed to suit the (non-traditional) students, not the institutions. The courses were provided in the form of internet-based distance learning and videoconferencing, but they also included a weekly three-hour meeting with a teacher, available via videoconference, at a local learning centre. This enabled students to meet employees from other SMEs and learn how typical problems are tackled by different companies. The meetings were partly held during working hours, so students didn’t have to give up all their free time to participateUnintended impacts
Strengths and weaknesses
A Strength is the flexibility of approach allowing learners from all different situations to profit from the opportunity
Print this page