This course analyzes the characteristics of strategic innovation. More specifically, the course delves in-depth on two levels: the firm, its activities and strategy, and the ecosystem as a whole, where the organization links its operations to sustain innovation and its competitive advantage..

You should develop the following skills from this course: Business knowledge: • Learn to analyze organizational strategy for innovation • Understand the conditions under which R&D turn into new product development • Recognize the systematic approach to innovation, key processes, and organizational knowledge flows. • Comprehend network strategies, ecosystems, and ambidextrous types of activities Critical thinking skills: • Identify tradeoffs in strategic plans and formulate plans to exploit/mitigate strengths/weaknesses. • Use financial and other quantitative information to support qualitative analyses and arguments. Persuasive communication: • Learn to frame arguments effectively and analyze other people’s assumptions to be more convincing. • Understand how to support arguments with evidence and logic.

This course provides an introduction to the strategic management of innovation and technology. To learn how organizations manage technological innovation to drive a competitive advantage, we will discuss innovation at the individual, firm, and ecosystem levels. First, we will explore the key attributes of innovators. Then, we will learn about the sources of innovation and how firms structure and manage their innovation processes. Finally, we will apply our learnings by investigating how real-world firms innovate within their ecosystems and networks. The course is a case-based discussion class, and the majority of learning will happen through interactive debate in class. We will be discussing real companies facing real strategic and organizational issues, and our goal in each session will be to conduct a comprehensive strategic analysis and generate actionable recommendations on how the firm should address these challenges. During the course, students will apply theories learned from readings and discussions in group projects, where they use mixed-methods research to investigate technological innovation trends in a chosen real-world innovation ecosystem. Specific topics and questions will include: What are innovator behaviors? What are the sources of innovation? How can firms adopt processes for systematic innovation? How do firms leverage knowledge and ecosystem networks to build a sustainable competitive advantage? How do organizations manage internal tensions between processes of exploitation and exploration? Final group project You will work in groups to investigate how real-world firms innovate within their ecosystems and networks. Each group should use mixed-method research to understand technological innovation trends in real-world firms and their networks and ecosystems. There is a 5000-word limit, including all exhibits. While providing some details is necessary, it is essential to emphasize analysis over description. You are welcome to utilize your industry contacts.

All information concerning the course, the lecture notes, the support materials and the exercises and all communications will take place through the e-learning page. A list of the required and suggested readings is included in the detailed program.

The course mixes theory with practice, and students will be challenged to apply principles, concepts and frameworks to real world situations. Before each class, students are supposed to study the material – usually papers and / or case studies – suggested in the reading list.

The grade is based on an individual written exam (30%), and group project (70%).

No specific requirement.