The paper adds to the literature on vocational education and training by developing an account of the role played by technicians, and vocational education and training, in innovation. It also fills a gap in the innovation systems literature by analysing the neglected role of technicians and providers of vocational education and training in innovation. It outlines technicians' contribution to innovation, sets out a theoretical framework for analysing the role of providers of vocational education and training in the innovation system, and discusses what 'system failure' involves in this context, as well as possible policy responses, using England as a case study.