Informal Learning and Serendipity in the Author’s Research Journey, With Special Reference to Vocational Education and Training

It is argued that informal learning is central to vocational education and training (VET) in all three paradigms of education, informal, nonformal and formal. The exposure to books is also examined as a source of informal learning. But the principal focus of the chapter is to examine the role of serendipity in the author’s professional research journey over fifty years, including in his research on informal learning in VET. A postscript examines the role of serendipity and innovation in German International Development Cooperation (GIZ).