Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Accreditation:
FAQs
What is IKE?
Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE) accreditation is an industry standard that validates the
effectiveness of innovation skills development within training, learning and talent development
programmes. It is the only accreditation of its kind in Europe.
IKE accreditation represents an individual’s capacity for having innovation skills and competencies
and the ability to apply them in the context of their work. The standard fosters a culture of
continuous improvement.
IKE accreditation helps organisations incubate, support and recognise emerging talent across all
divisions and departments.
What kind of organisations could use IKE accreditation?
IKE accreditation is based on a competency framework and measurement criteria that is suitable for
private and public sector organisations, educational institutions and NGOs. Having the accreditation
benefits organisations of any size.
What kind of courses is IKE accreditation suitable for?
IKE accreditation can be applied to a wide variety of training courses, including graduate training,
induction, employee development, leadership and apprenticeship programmes.
What does IKE accreditation assess and recognise?
IKE accreditation validates curriculum planning, teaching practice; innovation skills; exposure to
industry; information advice and guidance.
By assessing the outcome and impact of these activities, IKE demonstrates the relevance of
innovation to organisational improvement and progress, aligning it with strategic growth.
Why is it important?
Many organisations still operate under the belief that ‘innovation’ can only happen in R&D
departments. This inhibits growth and an organisation’s ability to adapt to new trends and threats.
IKE helps organisations embed a more entrepreneurial culture across the entire workforce.
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How will it benefit my staff?
Employees that have successfully passed through IKE-accredited programmes receive an NEF
Certificate of Professionalism in Innovative Practice, demonstrating their capacity to think and work
creatively and share knowledge with peers. As well as validating their capability and skills, this
professional qualification also enhances their long term employment prospects.
Successful graduates of IKE-accredited courses have the opportunity to become lifelong members or
fellows of NEF: The Innovation Institute, putting the post nominals FIKE or MIKE after their name.
NEF continually supports members and fellows with regular seminars, workshops, conferences,
journals, research publications and think-tanks that focus on sharing knowledge and best practice
between world class organisations and across diverse sectors.
How will it benefit my organisation?
IKE-accreditation is a key differentiator for organisations, helping them benchmark and demonstrate
the quality of their innovation skills and knowledge exchange training through an independently
assessed framework.
As well as enhancing the reputation of the employer in the competitive job market, IKE accreditation
demonstrates to stakeholders that the organisation is investing wisely in workforce development
and is committed to embedding innovative culture across all departments and at all levels of
seniority.
IKE-accredited courses can be an effective means of identifying and developing high potential
individuals within an organisation.
IKE-accredited companies are invited to join the NEF’s elite Innovation Council, with the opportunity
to connect with emerging technology networks and exchange best practice with international
leaders across a broad range of STEM-based sectors including: construction, energy, engineering,
manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, IT, health, biotech and food and drink.
Innovation training already exists in my company, how could IKE accreditation help me?
By benchmarking your training programmes against a robust framework and measurement criteria,
the IKE accreditation process helps you to assess holistically the overall impact of your current
innovation training strategy. It can identify areas for improvement and help you align staff
development with longer term objectives and goals.
IKE accreditation also provides external validation for the quality of your training programmes and
can help you identify potential future leaders within your organisation.
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How does it work?
IKE accreditation process uses an outcome-based framework that has been developed in
consultation with members of the Innovation Council, to validate the effectiveness of innovation and
knowledge and exchange within a training, learning or development programme.
The process of engagement commences with an 'explore and inform' workshop session, followed by
the organisation completing and submitting a self-assessment form, which is reviewed by peer
experts, supported by NEF staff. The framework primarily focuses on the impact and outcomes of
learning and development activities and is divided into six categories:
Curriculum Planning; Teaching Practice; Innovation Skills; Industrial Exposure; Information Advice
and Guidance; Impact (how learner development is measured).
NEF conducts visits usually within 6 weeks of the form being submitted to the organisation or
institution. The Visiting Panel will undertake the following:
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Review and assess the programme and course structure
Assess how innovation is embedded into the programme(s)
Conduct interviews and review the evidence referenced in the self-assessment form
How long does IKE accreditation last?
IKE accreditation lasts for three years, subject to annual reviews by NEF to ensure that innovative
behaviours developed during training are being consistently used within the workplace.
How has the IKE accreditation process been developed?
NEF has been working with industry and academia since 2004 to provide quality assurance for STEMbased learning and development programmes. Like all our accreditation programmes, IKE
accreditation has been developed in close collaboration with our Innovation Council, represented by
more than 40 senior figures from leading companies.
IKE accreditation is trade mark protected and its rights exclusively owned by NEF. The IKE
accreditation's standard framework was recognised in Science in Parliament Journal Volume 70 No 3
Summer 2013.
How can I find out more?
Call NEF on 0208 786 3677 or email info@thenef.org.uk to find out how you can register for IKE
accreditation.
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