Focus of the course: Successful innovation requires much more than the management of individual aspects of the innovation process within the institution; it also requires a systemic project approach that deals with the interactions between various stakeholders, their goals, objectives, markets, and organizations. Traditional innovation management usually focuses on goals and procedures for innovation planning, usually on implementation and control within the institution. Procedures are often repeated. This creates a framework that can limit project team members to working only within the set of rules and measures of the institution. However, most innovation projects require an individual approach so that project team members are highly flexible, innovative, and creative. Each innovation project is individual and requires an individual approach. A clear strategy in the area of innovation, a supportive corporate culture, a focus on the socio-ecological goals of innovation, constant study of trends and risks, an appropriate budget, Change- and Risk management, and adequate motivation for innovation are often the basic prerequisites for an innovation project. The main goal of this course is to acquaint students with the key specifics of innovation projects, Innovation management, the implementation and commercialization of innovations, and related intellectual property protection. After completing the course, the student should answer the following framework topics: how to identify and manage the framework of an innovation project, create a project breakdown structure, create a project innovation plan, create a project budget, define and allocate resources for innovation, manage project development, identify and manage innovation risks, and understand the sourcing process for the project. How to adequately protect intellectual property and how to implement and commercialise innovations. The course includes approaches, experience, and examples of the best innovative companies.

Continuous assessment of the student's work during the semester includes: Prepare a simple but feasible innovation project on the chosen topic (using procedures within the focus of the study programme, lectures, and seminars on the subject). The required length of seminar work is at least 15 pages. The deadline for submitting the final version is at the end of the lessons (W13). Submissions take place via email. Presentation of the work (approximately 2x10 min): main content and benefits of the seminar work. During the semester, in weeks 6 and 12. 

Final assessment: Exercise activities: Max. 10 points 

Seminar work: max. 30 points 

Exam: Max. 60 points (oral exam)