Dissemination of innovations in higher education: A change theory approach

It is argued that the major reason for the at least partial failure in the dissemination of teaching innovations lies in the uni‐directional approach used and the reliance on dissemination through education, both of which are in conflict with well established change theory, which is outlined. The paper demonstrates how the Enterprise in Higher Education Initiative (EHE), using this theory at least in part serendipidously, succeeded and lists the crucial and rare features of EHE which made it successful as an agent of dissemination. Two other successfully disseminated teaching initiatives are analysed for their special features which led to success, but which it would be difficult to generalise. Recommendations are made for a radical change in the approach to dissemination, based on the lessons learned from EHE: in particular, to involve both institutions and Departments, as well as other relevant agencies, both inside and outside universities, and to appoint ‘Higher Education Advisers’.