In times of fierce global competition, rapid technological progress, multiple disruptions (e.g., climate, poverty, migration, demographic developments, digitalization), exponentially growing knowledge, and increasingly demanding customers, innovation has become an imperative for most firms. Innovation addresses ill-defined problems and induces situations of high uncertainty and risks. It therefore requires fundamentally different processes and methods compared to routine tasks. How can innovation be managed and how can a firm routinize the non-routine? These are central questions that this program will tackle. Important developments in innovation management such as open and user innovation, new organizational forms for innovation, the creation of innovation through collaborations, social network interactions for innovation, management of technological ecosystems, and the role of sustainability will be discussed. At the same time, we will apply problem-based learning by engaging into a real-life innovation challenge.

Key features:

• Two weeks
• Approx. 45 students (1/3 WU students, 2/3 partner university students)
• The program will include a real life innovation challenge
• 5 ECTS-Credits

Kindly note that only a selected group of applicants will be admitted to the program. To apply please fill in the online application form (available on the program website) and upload all necessary supporting documents (CV and letter of motivation). The application deadline for WU students is February 15, 2024. All WU applicants who complete the online application process on time will be informed about the outcome of their application via email by February 28, 2024, at the latest and will automatically be registered for the course in the WU system.

The aim of the program is to provide students with an insight of the most relevant topics when trying to manage innovation both inside the boundary of a firm as well as across firm boundaries.

Through participating in the course the students will:

• learn to understand the basic approaches in modern innovation management
• learn about important developments in the field of innovation management
• apply, validate, and enrich the knowledge gained in a real-life group project

All students are expected to attend 100% of the course. Should there be an important reason for absence, a confirmation (for example a medical certificate) must be submitted and faculty will think about an assignment to compensate for your absence.

The course integrates various teaching methods such as theory lectures, case studies, exercises, discussions, keynote talks from leading practitioners, and a real-life group project with a project partner. Substantial classroom discussion is encouraged and expected. All students are required to work on the group project during the course. In order to make most out of the time in class, the Vienna Innovation Program^WU also includes a pre-class reading assignment.

Sessions are taught using a combination of lecture elements, case analyses, class discussion, exercises, and group work. The readings will give an understanding of selected main issues concerning the management of innovation. The course contains one kick-off session and several workshop sessions, such as:

· From Innovation Process to Innovation System of a Firm

· From Closed to Open and Collaborative Innovation

· From Producer-Centered to User-Centered Innovation

· From Human Capital to Social Capital: How Innovations Emerge in Networks

· From Innovating Firms to Innovating Ecosystems

· Building an Ambidextrous Organization

· Sustainability and Innovation

· Artificial Intelligence and Data Gaps

· Final Presentation

Please note that the Vienna Innovation Program^WU is an intensive academic program with input sessions and group work. On weekdays you can expect to be involved in the academic program activities throughout the whole day.

As of today, the Vienna Innovation Program will most likely include a mix of online and offline sessions. Please find more information in the schedule which will be published on our website in due time.

The final grade of the course will depend on:

•    20% pre-class assignment (individual work)

•    20% in-class assignments (individual reports, team reports)

•    20% in-class participation (active listening and discussion in class, interim presentations, implementing feedback)

•    40% final presentation

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alessio.delpero@wu.ac.at

A mandatory virtual kick-off will be hosted on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, 4pm-6pm.  The purpose of this virtual kick-off is to inform students on important academic and administrative matters as well as to get to know the other participants of the VIP 2024. During the virtual kick-off, students will also receive further information on the pre-class assignment.