An experiment to learn about the innovation culture among secondary school students

IntroductionIn this study we aimed to investigate the innovation culture among secondary school students. We learnt about the definition framework of the innovation culture, as well as the results of the relevant surveys without presenting a full literature review. Material and methodsWe used an online Google form for the collection of data from the students learning in secondary schools in Szekesfehervar, Hungary. The survey included thirty questions with 631 people responding during fifteen days. Our aim was to get to know their thoughts about innovation beyond the general questions. One of our further goals was to learn about their willingness to cooperate with their classmates and if they have a good idea about how to use it, furthermore whether they have attended an idea developing competition or not. ResultsWe got answers from the study related to coping mechanism of the students with uncertainty, the thought of failure, the risks and how to avoid them, and whether they can commit to their aims or not. Our study was an experiment in the investigation of the innovation culture among the students learning in local secondary schools. Our presented results support the local decision-makers and the providers of the educational institutes in setting out further developing plans in this area. DiscussionThe study can draw the attention of the local higher education institutions to this topic, and they can realize their own role in the shaping of the secondary school students’ innovational attitude and mindset as one of their third mission activities. With the development of the secondary school education’s innovative culture, the town is presented with the opportunity of building a more innovative community through collaborations among the HEIs and secondary schools via raising the willingness of students to innovate.