Abstract:

Innovation is the engine for technological progress, economic growth, and prosperity. More and more, innovation is at the core of transformation to a green and sustainable Europe of tomorrow. Product and service innovations, use of innovative manufacturing technologies, and introduction of new business models are necessary to modernise the EU’s industry and economy. The competitiveness of companies depends to a large extent on whether or how they generate innovations. However, most of the companies face serious problems regarding the successful introduction of innovations. For example, only 30% of all digital transformation initiatives achieve or exceed their goals. Reasons for this shortcoming often lie in the culture, mindset, talent, and lack of competencies of employees – innovation is not just about technology.

The conventional understanding of innovation management is characterized by a strong technology and process perspective. This means that the focus was primarily on the development of the innovation object (e.g., a new product or a new digital business model) and the necessary organizational framework conditions. In the meantime, however, it is increasingly recognized that committed people and the innovation culture they shape are crucial to innovation success to a much greater extent.

To overcome organizational barriers against change, employees need a specific set of competencies that includes digital, technological, and organizational abilities – with an emphasis on human-centered skills and competencies. The authors therefore propose a holistic, human-centered and sustainable view on innovation management. People in the company who significantly drive and lead innovation projects (innovation managers) are in a key position here. But with respect to human-centered skills, the available academic education and qualification is often insufficient.

Hence, the authors address this need with the introduction of a part-time master’s degree that incorporates all mentioned aspects. Firstly, essential preconditions are discussed based on the human-centered innovation approach. Secondly, a concrete example of a possible curriculum is presented.

Keywords:

Post-Graduate Education, Digital Transformation, Innovation, Human-Centered Innovation Management.