Innovation Management

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#Course overview and Syllabus

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the diverse nature of innovations and their impact on various sectors.
  • Analyze and apply innovation models to real-world scenarios.
  • Manage the innovation process effectively, from idea generation to project execution.
  • Develop innovation strategies that provide a competitive advantage.
  • Assess the innovation ecosystem and policy frameworks.
  • Identify and overcome internal and external barriers to innovation.
  • Evaluate and implement best practices in innovation management.

This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling students to become adept innovators and effective innovation managers in today’s dynamic business environment.

Course Description: Innovation is the lifeblood of modern businesses, driving growth and competitive advantage. This comprehensive course in Innovation Management delves into the dynamic world of innovation, offering a holistic exploration of its nature, strategies, processes, and real-world applications. From understanding the different types of innovation to assessing the impact of innovation on industries, organizations, and society, this course equips students with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of innovation.

Module 1: Fundamentals of Innovation

1.1. Nature and Classification of Innovations

  • Exploring the essence of innovations
  • Classifying innovations and their roles in various sectors

1.2. Innovation Ecosystem

  • Analyzing the interconnectedness of innovations across sectors
  • Examining the relationships between innovation and other industries

1.3. Innovations Across Industries

  • Identifying distinctive characteristics of innovations in different sectors
  • Case studies in industrial production, agriculture, finance, and more

Module 2: Models of Innovation

2.1. Generational Innovation Models

  • A journey through innovation from first to fifth generations
  • In-depth exploration of Robert Couper’s model and Clark and Willrich’s contributions

2.2. Contemporary Innovation Paradigms

  • Open innovation and user-led innovation models
  • Selecting the right innovation model for your organization

Module 3: Managing the Innovation Process

3.1. The Innovation Process

  • Understanding the nature and phases of innovation
  • Current tendencies in innovation management

3.2. Technology Transfer

  • Nature of technology transfer
  • Commercial and non-commercial forms of transfer

3.3. Innovation Diffusion

  • Factors influencing diffusion
  • Main approaches and models for effective diffusion

Module 4: Strategy and Decision Making

4.1. Innovation Life Cycle

  • Exploring the concept of innovation life cycles
  • Using life cycle models for decision-making in innovation management

4.2. Portfolio Management

  • Leveraging portfolio matrices for effective innovation management
  • Growth/market share matrix creation techniques and recommendations

4.3. Company Innovation Strategy

  • Nature, classifications, and competitive advantages
  • Strategies to bridge technology gaps with competitors
  • Case studies on hi-tech companies’ innovation strategies

Module 5: Planning and Execution

5.1. Innovation Process Planning

  • The role of knowledge management
  • Developing innovation plans and schedules
  • Technological forecasting and audit

5.2. Idea Generation and Evaluation

  • Methods for searching, modeling, and evaluating innovation ideas
  • Assessing innovation projects for feasibility and impact

5.3. Project Execution and Organization

  • Planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling innovation projects
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) for successful project management

Module 6: Organizational Structures and Funding

6.1. Innovation Process Organization

  • Forms, structures, and informational databases
  • Collaboration with external organizations

6.2. Funding Innovation

  • Internal and external funding sources
  • Specifics of venture capital funding and renovation by leasing

Module 7: Policy, Evaluation, and Barriers

7.1. Innovation Policy and EU Strategy

  • Key elements, tools, and financial instruments
  • Benefits for Bulgarian companies and national innovation policy overview

7.2. Bulgarian National Innovation System

  • Stakeholders, legal framework, challenges, and outcomes
  • Significance for innovation activities in Bulgaria

7.3. Stimulation of Innovation

  • Role of organizations like incubators, clusters, and innovation centers
  • Regional innovation policies and their impact on networks and clusters

Module 8: Assessment and Overcoming Barriers

8.1. Evaluating Innovation Activities

  • Measurement techniques and benchmarking
  • Innovation scoreboard and best practices

8.2. Innovation Barriers

  • Classifying internal and external barriers
  • Tools and techniques to overcome them

Module 9: Case Studies and Best Practices

9.1. Global and Bulgarian Innovation Success Stories

  • Examining good innovation practices in Bulgarian and foreign companies
  • Real-world case studies of innovative enterprises