Applying Innovation Training in a Real-World Assessment Scheme Beyond (Proven) Track Records

The aim of this conceptual paper is to propose an action learning framework for selecting, promoting, and training innovation agents in manufacturing companies, based on the concept of Digital Learning Spaces. Therefore, referring to Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, we postulate a model relevant to educational methodologies and employee recruitment within the realm of industry and practice to sharpen current methods. We propose an exploratory qualitative research approach, integrating the reflective commentaries of participants, to create case studies, aiming to provide realistic insights into a typical business day of an innovation agent. By integrating Kolb’s learning phases into the case studies and our overall approach, we provide an assessment result of how well the applicant/learner corresponds to this role at a certain stage according to the measured individual characteristics in the specific cycle quadrant.