In the E&I InnoLab course, students work in (interdisciplinary) teams to develop a new product concept including a functional model/prototype to address a real-world problem. Students learn about needs and trend analysis tools and methods and idea generation techniques and develop innovative ideas, possible approaches and functional models. The course focuses on design thinking, a creative method developed by Stanford University and the IDEO creative design company and used in a wide variety of fields. InnoLab students work on real-world innovation projects that range from new product and services development to new business model generation. In collaboration with private-sector partners (such as Airbus, Magna, Red Bull, IKEA and Vienna International Airport in past semesters), students develop creative ideas and concepts and design functional models and prototypes that are extensively field tested. Students profit in particular from the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience across fields of study and learn to view innovations from different viewpoints and perspectives. Project partners provide additional information and detailed project descriptions at the kick-off event. InnoLab partners are generally established companies interested in exploring the new perspectives our structured methods opens up on successful systems, products, services, and approaches.

The E&I InnoLab course provides students with insight into selected areas in the entrepreneurship and innovation field. After successfully completing the course, students will be able to:

Technical and professional skills:

· Employ the design thinking method to generate innovative product, service and business model ideas and concepts.

· Take a structured approach to identifying user needs not being met.

· Apply various creative techniques to generate ideas.

· Use iterative testing and feedback loops to review and advance approaches and assumptions.

· Visualize and transform ideas into functional models.

Transferable skills:

· Experience and reflect on group processes and dynamics in heterogeneous teams.

· Independently structure and execute complex innovation projects in teams.

· Create and effectively present and defend results-oriented presentations and reports.

· Identify and take advantage of the synergy effects of interdisciplinary cooperation.

Additionally participants have:

· Learned how to deal with an open-ended project and experienced ambiguity tolerance.

· Honed and expanded their professional ability to communicate project content in writing and orally.

· Practiced using complex and effective tools (e.g. databases) for research and to obtain information and data for an assignment.

To complete this course with a positive grade, students must attend 80% of scheduled classes (exception: 100% attendance at literature test, kick-off, key insights presentation, final presentation and E&I Touchdown – event)

Changes due to Corona:

Plan A: If the COVID-19 situation improves and subsequently, governmental as well as WU regulations allow it, Innolab will be held in presence mode in the lecture rooms found in the evvz (physically on campus).

Plan B: If developments in the COVID-19 situation require safety measures to remain in place in the summer term, Innolab will be held via hybrid mode (https://learn.wu.ac.at/open/distanzlehre/synchronerhybridmodus). In this case, the kick-off, and the workshops will be held on campus for as many students as WU and governmental hygiene standards permit. At the same time, these lessons will be streamed for all students who cannot be present. The coaching sessions will be held online. 

The final decision between Plan A and B is based on WU policy, which will be communicated in mid-september. Students will immediately be informed via the course syllabi. 

Note: The decision about the literature test (to be held offline on Campus or online via LEARN@WU) will be communicated in due time. Instructions will be sent out individually by the course instructors before the event.

· Real-world projects completed with mentoring from course instructor and external coaches

· Design thinking (an interdisciplinary, user-centered innovation process)

· Periodic presentations and discussions of results

· Summary of results in a final, results-oriented project report

· Project review and milestone meetings with project partners

· Skills workshops to hone presentation skills and creative techniques

Performance is assessed based on individual as well as group work throughout the semester.

Grading system:

• 60% Group-based performance
  • 10% Midterm presentation
  • 10% Midterm report
  • 15% Final presentation
  • 20% Final report
  • 5% Touchdown (adherance to deadlines, implementation of feedback and quality of pitch)
• 40% Individual performance
  • 10% Literature test (in English / literature according to Learn@WU)
  • 25% ongoing participation and project management (presenting and participation during Q&A; contributions in kickoff, coaching and workshops)
  • 5% Reflection essay

Additionally, there will be mid-term and end of term peer ratings of the team members which may result in individual up- or downgradings.

The literature test takes place on the WU campus on October 1st, 2021, from 8:00 - 8:30 am. Please take any delay due to checking of the 3G rules into account and plan to arrive early. The test examines the basic and in-depth knowledge that is absolutely necessary for the participation in the projects. Therefore, you can find a literature list @learn with basic literature and course-specific additional literature for self-study. If you fail the literature test (less than 50%), you will be automatically transferred to the Analyst Support Program. As a student in the Analyst Support Program (ASP), you will work individually instead of working on a group-based project during the semester. The course instructors are responsible for the design of the program. In case of non-participation (e.g. due to illness) a medical certificate must be presented. For this purpose, a substitute exam will be offered.

Attendance: In order to successfully pass this course, your absence is limited to 20% of our appointments. Please note that the attendance of the literature test, the kick-off, the presnetations with our project partners and the E&I Touchdown is obligatory!