A Learning Approach for Innovation and New Product Development: Insights from Higher Education Practice

Abstract

Enhancing students’ competencies has become an important objective in higher education institutions. Universities are increasingly expected to produce graduates who possess critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This study examines the implementation of innovative learning approach in the Innovation course at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The course integrates problem-based learning and experiential learning approaches through several innovation-based assignments, including video creation and product development projects. These activities encourage students to identify real-world problems, analyse consumer needs, and develop innovative solutions. The findings indicate that the implemented approach enhance students’ competencies in creativity, collaboration, and problem solving. In addition, the learning approach has encouraged students to participate in innovation competitions, where several groups have achieved notable recognition. The study highlights the importance of innovative teaching approach in supporting competency development among university students.