Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Europe

About

This two-weeks' course provides you with the opportunity to explore the challenges and the solutions companies find, in adapting to the ever-changing business environment, and gain an insight into how the different business cultures in the EU influence the choices that are made. We'll explore optimization of supply chains, emergence of new business models, implementation of corporate social responsibility, focus on sustainable innovation, and creative approaches to brand identity – all (parts of) innovation strategies used by European companies to deal with their challenges and prepare for the future.

Having the capacity to adapt to an ever-changing business environment is turning out to be the single most important factor for companies to remain successful, particularly With the European Union (EU) struggling for its once crucial role in the global economy, this perhaps goes even more for European companies than for those on other continents.

This course focuses on the value of knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship in European business and will familiarise students with the interplay between science and technology and the commercialization of knowledge and design. There will be several speakers from industry and and we will visit some top-companies in the Netherlands.

Building business models from an in-depth understanding of the gap between innovation and business in Europe. You will explore innovation challenges faced by European companies, gain insights into how governments and business cultures in the European Union influence innovation, and discover the traits of innovative ventures and people.

We will start with a focus on successful so-called clusters in the Netherlands. Agribusiness is one of them, and so is the Food Valley Netherlands.

Having the capacity to adapt to an ever-changing business environment is turning out to be the single most important factor for companies to remain successful. With the European Union (EU) struggling for its once crucial role in the global economy, this perhaps goes even more for European companies than for those on other continents. Incredibly tough competition -both within the EU as well as from other parts of the world-, an economic crisis that does not seem to end, and the legislative opportunities and barriers within the EU, are all factors that are challenging European companies and initiatives in remaining successful players in their field.

During the course we will also pay attention to the Supply chain. The focus here will be on production, logistics and inbound aspects.

The rapidly changing business world also affects today’s job market and increases the need for innovative and entrepreneurial individuals. Often, this requires more than a brilliant idea or unique skill set. For the next generation of leaders this course offers the opportunity to develop the mind-set, skills, competencies and experiential learning that enable you to promote innovation either as a productive member of an emerging firm or as an entrepreneur. You will work on topics like personal values, communication, and team diversity enabling you to develop your own creativity, opportunity-seeking and opportunity-recognizing abilities.

As part of the course, you will build your own innovative business model.

The course combines a theoretical and practical approach. Interactive lectures, group assignments and company visits will help you to shape your views on what works and what doesn’t.

Course leader

Bart Toering, MSc

Target group

This course is an interesting challenge for students in Business Studies, and is also open to Bachelor and Master students from other fields. The main requirement is that students have either some background or an interest in innovation, trends and issues in the EU. A good command of English is necessary.

Course aim

Learning aims:

Develop an entrepreneurial spirit, necessary to become an entrepreneurial researcher or manager or consultant;
Be pro-active, recognising and selecting opportunities;
Analyse and explain business models based on management, marketing and financial concepts;
Understand the basics of culture for society and environment and its impact on European economy.

Fee info