Technology and innovation shape the environment in which firms operate and impact their ability to position themselves against competitors strategically. Indeed, not only must firms leverage their innovations to steer the trajectory of their industry, but they also must adapt to innovations introduced by established competitors and new entrants aiming at disrupting the status quo.

By taking this course, students understand how firms strategically manage technology and innovation to achieve a competitive advantage.

With the support of case studies, students are exposed to the practical experience of firms that have succeeded (or failed) when facing the challenges of managing innovation.

In the E&I Strategic Management of Innovation course, students learn and practice:

• Understanding how new technologies and start-ups disrupt industries.
• Analyzing the obstacles that established companies face to react to the new standards.
• Understanding the factors that enable established companies to adapt to changing industries.
• Understanding the factors that enable established firms to lead the change of an industry.

The course targets students with a basic understanding of strategy and innovation who enjoy learning based on practical examples and real case studies.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

· Understand and disentangle different types of innovation as well as their implications for strategic management.

· Recognize, compare and evaluate different approaches to manage innovation and technological change.

· Evaluate the strategic effects of innovation.

· Recognize threats and opportunities introduced by technological change.

· Propose solutions to diverse business problems where innovation plays a significant role.

· Face to face lectures.

· Interactive discussion of real-life case studies either in groups or individually according to each specific case.

· Final presentation (in groups).

Grades are based on the following assignments:

· Participation in the case discussion: 40% (group grade)

· Group assignment on a case study: 40% (grade based on individual contributions)

· Final presentation: 20% (group grade)

Class participation is evaluated according to group participation in discussing the cases answering the questions proposed by the instructor. Class participation accounts for 40% of the final grade.

The analysis of one selected case is assigned at the group level, but students will be evaluated individually on the part of the project they contribute to. Students are asked to submit a case report that answers specific case questions by applying the concepts previously discussed in class. This assignment accounts for 40% of the final grade.

For the final presentation, students are asked to identify a company different from those analyzed in the case studies and describe how it has successfully led the change of its industry, adapted to the change introduced by a competitor, or failed to do so. The presentation accounts for 20% of the final grade.

The following students may register for the course:

· Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation specialization program

Please note that course registration is binding. The moment your registration is received, it is regarded as a clear commitment on your part. Students cannot drop the course or transfer to another course (once the add/drop period is over) with no exceptions, as it would be unfair to other students (who might not have gotten into the course of their choice because of the spot you registered for). The number of students accepted to the course will only be expanded if there is no space in any other course 3.

after appointment by email