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.

As the interaction with other students as well as external stakeholders is an integral part of this course, active participation in-person is important.

Students must attend at least 80% of all classes and events to successfully complete the course. However, due to their importance in reaching the course goals, 100% attendance is required for the kick-off, mid-term and final presentations as well as the E&I Touchdown event. For the kickoff, absences (up to maximum of 1,5h) due to a scheduled written exam at WU can be excused if the course instructors are notified with a proof of examination before the kickoff.

In general, all absences in the course must be notified to the course instructors via email (if possible in advance) and confirmation (for example a medical certificate, or in case of an exam a note confirming the date of the written examination) must be submitted as soon as possible. Absences can result in additional compensation work to ensure the course's learning outcomes.

· 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% Kickoff Comprehension Test
  • 25% ongoing participation and project management (presenting and participation during Q&A; contributions in kickoff, coaching and workshops)
  • 5% Reflection task

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

Attendance: In order to successfully pass this course, your absence is limited to 20% of our appointments. Please note that the attendance of the kick-off, the presentations with our project partners and the E&I Touchdown is obligatory! Therefore, make sure being available at the course dates!

Note on the use of generative AI-tools: AI-applications, specifically GPTs, can be used to enhance creativity and overall research and project outcomes. During the course, you are free to use such tools. However, you will be required to make the use of such tools transparent for your project partners, peers, and the course instructors. For instance, when using ChatGPT to generate ideas, cite the prompts you used accordingly to ensure transparency. 

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