Creativity is an important element of innovation. However, driving innovation takes more than just having managers generate novel ideas. It requires that they expand their minds and skill sets: They need to learn to start thinking from the perspective of the customer instead of focusing on their products. They need to develop new solutions and business models rather than gradual product improvements. They have to run simple, structured experiments to test mission-critical assumptions instead of perfecting an idea for years in an isolated lab. They must also make decisions based on data rather than biased opinions.
In this program, we will not only explore key elements of successful innovation, but also “do” innovation: You will apply the latest thinking and agile principles to test, revise, and refine your ideas. You will also learn how to effectively pitch them and generate support from key stakeholders.
Find all the program information at a glance in our PDF download.
Who should attend the program?
Executives with a background in engineering, business development, strategy, marketing, or sales who are eager to learn how to become entrepreneurs and be able to quickly advance an idea inside a company.
Key benefits
- Learning how to think and act like an entrepreneur
- Understanding how to advance new ideas inside and outside of your company
- Turning those ideas into successful businesses
Methods
This 6-week blended journey consists of virtual and face-to-face learning components, including case studies, individual exercises, peer feedback and webinars.
Module 1 (online): Connect and learn | 25 Oct - 19 Nov 2021 | 4 weeks, 3-4 hours per week
Start your online journey with your Program Director and peer group on our platform the HUB. Through videos, readings, practical exercises and constant feedback, explore the main strategies for creating, rapidly testing and iteratively improving innovative ideas, learn how to understand your customer needs and create scalable business models. Get ready to sell your ideas in the face-to-face phase in Berlin.
Module 2 (face-to-face): Improve and practice | 25 - 26 Nov 2021 | 2 full days
Join us on campus for an unforgettable two-day Berlin experience. Gain further insights from our renowned faculty and get inspired from invited leading entrepreneurs. Last but not least, learn how to pitch your ideas to successful venture capitalists.
Module 3 (online): Reflect on and give/receive feedback | 6 - 10 Dec 2021 | 1 week, 3-4 hours
In this one-week follow-up online phase, you reflect critically on your learning and provide constructive feedback on the performances of your peers. Back in office, review your idea with your team and try to execute it.
Key topics
- Innovation in new and existing organizations
- Generating ideas and adapting them to customer needs
- Articulating and testing assumptions
- Agile and lean principles for iterative and fast development
- Developing scalable business models
- Pitching and selling ideas
Postgraduate Diploma in Management
This program can also be taken as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Management curriculum. Bring your career to the next level and gain the formal recognition of your professional development with this university-level certificate.
Innovation Sprint counts towards 4 of the 18 days necessary to receive the diploma.
