English   Danish

2026/2027  MA-MMBDO2501U  Managing Innovation

English Title
Managing Innovation

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Part Time Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Min. participants 10
Max. participants 30
Study board
Study Board for Master i forretningsudvikling
Programme Master of Business Development
Course coordinator
  • Christoph Grimpe - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
  • Marion Poetz - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Innovation
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 13-08-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Ability to understand basic concepts (models, processes, sources and methods) of Innovation Management and their relations
  • Ability to apply these basic concepts to own organization or other chosen empirical context
  • Ability to demonstrate skills in making informed decisions on (Open) Innovation project design
Examination
Managing Innovation:
Exam ECTS 5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Purpose

This course explores how innovation can drive change - whether through new products, business models or advanced processes. It highlights the importance of both internal and external collaborations, especially considering complex challenges such as the green transition and the rise of AI.

Participants will gain insights into planning innovation, organising for innovation and managing innovation projects, ultimately enhancing their ability to leverage innovation for competitive advantage.

 

Your benefits

  • Assess and improve your organisation’s approach to innovation.
  • Develop and implement an effective innovation strategy.
  • Structure organisations to foster innovation.
  • Strategically design and manage innovation projects.
  • Apply open, collaborative and AI-supported innovation approaches.

 

Description

This course provides participants with the tools needed to master innovation management in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. Through a blend of research-based insights and practical strategies, participants will explore various dimensions of innovation, from strategic formulation to designing organisations that foster creativity and implementing impactful innovation projects. Special attention is given to emerging trends like AI-driven innovation, open collaboration and innovation ecosystems. By the end, you will be equipped with the knowledge to drive innovation initiatives in your organisation.

 

Key themes

  • Distributed sources of innovation.
  • Innovation models and processes.
  • Balancing exploration and exploitation in generating innovation.
  • Open and collaborative innovation.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Methodology
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Development of research questions
  • Data collection
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Informed by existing research, students make project-design decisions and use them for developing their own innovation projects (i.e., projects they can implement in their companies in the future)
Description of the teaching methods
The course follows an interactive, problem-based learning approach, delivered in full-day, workshop-style sessions. It integrates:
• Mini-lectures for foundational concepts
• Case studies to analyze real-world innovation challenges
• Ad-hoc group work to apply learning in a hands-on way
• Discussions and presentations to foster critical thinking
• Guest speakers from industry
• Innovation project design – practicing the development of innovation projects
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback during class will be possible.
Student workload
Prepartion 95 hours
Examintation 10 hours
Teaching 32 hours
Last updated on 13-08-2026