Innovation Management Game at Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Client Profile: Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Bachelor Program)
Each year, we facilitate the Innovation Management Game for over 120 students at Fontys University of Applied Sciences. To accommodate the large group, we rent a cinema for the day. After the kick-off demo and first round, three virtual rounds are played, followed by a final live session in smaller groups for an energetic and fun finale.
Outcome: Immersive & Fun Group Experience
Students enjoy a highly engaging learning experience that combines virtual and in-person elements, ending on a high note with the live finale.
Innovation Management Game at Bayes Business School
Client Profile: Bayes Business School (MBA Program, London City University)
We partner with Bayes Business School to run the Innovation Management Game as part of their MBA program. Located in the heart of London, this game forms a central part of their Innovation Management course, offering an immersive learning experience within their beautiful London premises.
Outcome: Central to Innovation Learning
The game helps MBA students bridge the gap between theory and practice, fostering innovative thinking in a prime location.
Innovation Management Game at Warwick Business School
Client Profile: Warwick Business School (MBA Program in Innovative Leadership)
At Warwick Business School, we run the Innovation Management Game annually for over 100 students in the Innovative Leadership masters program. Given the diverse, international backgrounds of the students, we incorporate "dry rounds" and Q&A sessions to ensure full understanding before moving into live gameplay. Some sessions are hosted in-person in Birmingham, while others are conducted online.
Outcome: Inclusive & Comprehensive Learning
This structured approach ensures that all students, regardless of background, can engage deeply with the content.
Business Ecosystems Game at TU/e Eindhoven
Client Profile: Eindhoven University of Technology (Masters in Innovation Management)
Each autumn, we run the Business Ecosystems Game for the popular masters program in Innovation Management at TU/e. The game is fully integrated with the course, offering a smooth learning trajectory that covers the microfoundations of innovation, firm-level ecosystems, and macro-level challenges. Teams initially compete, but the final stage transitions into a collaborative "ecosystem challenge."
Outcome: Competitive to Collaborative Learning
The game encourages students to both compete and collaborate, reflecting real-world dynamics in innovation ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: Advancing Ecosystem Thinking
We aim to further refine this unique competitive-to-collaborative format to continue inspiring future leaders in innovation.
Innovation Management Game at Athens University of Economics and Business
Client Profile: Athens University (Masters in Marketing & Communication)
Since 2022, we have run the Innovation Management Game annually for the masters program at Athens University of Economics and Business. Spread over two months, the game includes several rounds before and after a mid-course break. We kick off the game with an in-person session in Athens, followed by virtual sessions for feedback and final decision-making.
Outcome: Flexible & Engaging Format
Students benefit from a balanced mix of in-person engagement and virtual collaboration, making it both flexible and impactful.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Virtual Learning
This hybrid approach allows us to stay connected with students, continuing to innovate on how we deliver meaningful learning experiences.
Business Model Game & Innovation Management Game at the University of Luxembourg
Client Profile: University of Luxembourg (Masters in Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Since 2016, we have been implementing both the Business Model Game and Innovation Management Game at the University of Luxembourg as part of their Innovation & Entrepreneurship masters program. The games are integrated into the Autumn and Spring semesters, with the Business Model Game running for one week in the Fall and the Innovation Management Game running for two weeks in the Spring.
Outcome: Structured & Practical Learning
The combination of morning lectures and afternoon gameplay provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences
Implementation of the Innovation Management Game at Aalto University
Client Profile: Aalto University (Executive MBA Program)
Every year, Aalto University hosts an exchange with TU Munich's executive MBA program, bringing together 30 eMBA students from diverse nationalities for a two-week visit to Helsinki. During this period, a full day is dedicated to playing the Innovation Management Game. The day includes both regular and speed rounds, providing an engaging and fun experience facilitated by a trainer from Innovative Dutch.
Outcome: High Engagement & Fun Learning Experience
The students gain valuable insights into innovation management, making this game a highlight of their exchange.
Looking Ahead: Continued Engagement with eMBA Students
We look forward to continuing this enriching collaboration, providing an innovative learning experience year after year.
HRM Innovation Project at Han University of Applied Sciences
Client Profile: Han University of Applied Sciences (HRM Department)
Our collaboration with HRM at Han University of Applied Sciences involved spearheading an innovation project focused on addressing challenges related to workload, education innovation, and enhanced collaboration with the industry. The initiative aimed to position HRM as a leader in the field, especially as they approached a crucial accreditation process.
Client's Request: HRM Innovation Proposal
- Background:
- HRM is undergoing an accreditation process with a focus on becoming a 'Smart Region' contributor.
- An innovation committee has been formed, addressing issues of workload, education, industry collaboration, and team structure.
- Plans for innovation exist but require refinement and execution due to ongoing challenges and anticipated accreditation workload.
- HRM sees an opportunity to become a frontrunner in the field.
- Scope of the Project:
- Immediate focus on workload and industry collaboration.
- Potential involvement in addressing questions arising from the accreditation process.
- Team Change Process towards an innovative, self-organized team.
Establishing the ‘Lectoraat Smart Business’ at Han University of Applied Sciences
Client Profile: Han University of Applied Sciences
Our engagement with Han University of Applied Sciences involved collaborating on the establishment of the 'Lectoraat Smart Business.' The initiative was driven by the university's commitment to becoming a leading knowledge center in the region, particularly in the development of a 'Smart Region' that integrates smart technologies and new business models.
Client's Request: Lectoraat Smart Business Program Development
- Lectoraat Smart Business Overview:
- Aimed to contribute to the development of a 'Smart Region.'
- Focused on innovation and entrepreneurship in smart technology.
- Supported by Centres of Expertise, lectorates, and education.
- Research Levels and Methodology:
- Research conducted at three levels: exploration, implementation, and aggregated.
- Student-centered research focusing on operational questions.
- Lectoraat acted as a hub for organizations with innovation queries related to smart technology.
- Explored the role of digital technology in shaping new business models.
- Positioning:
- Formally positioned under the Institute of Business and Law (IBR), supported by the Knowledge Center for Business Development & Co-Creation.
- Aligned with the goal of contributing to the Smart Region program.
- Thematically positioned at the intersection of digital innovation, business models, and open innovation.
- Objectives of Lectoraat Smart Business:
- Professional Practice and Society:
- Develop knowledge and tools applied by organizations.
- Contribute to the future professional profile of students.
- Ensure systematic evaluation of product and service quality.
- Education and Training:
- Equip future professionals with skills for the digital era.
- Update curricula in line with digital innovation, business models, and open innovation.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for aligned programming.
- Ensure systematic evaluation of product and service quality.
- Knowledge Development and Sharing:
- Establish an evolving knowledge circle guided by the lector.
- Focus on design-oriented and action-oriented research.
- Contribute to a robust body of knowledge in business models, digital innovation, and open innovation.
- Supervise (aspiring) PhD candidates.
- Facilitate knowledge transfer within and outside HAN.
- Professional Practice and Society:
Driving Innovation at Stora Enso’s Reconnect Conference
Client Profile: Stora Enso
Our collaboration with Stora Enso was centered around the customization and deployment of the Innovation Management Game during their annual conference, Reconnect held in Stockholm. The client sought a tailored experience to introduce different types of innovation strategies and enhance the understanding of innovation processes among around 260 management-level participants.
Client's Request: Customized Innovation Workshop for Reconnect Conference
- Conference Details:
- Approximately 260 management-level participants physically attending in Stockholm.
- Conference streamed to other employees globally.
- Customization Requests:
- Combination of the main structure of the Innovation Management Game and elements from the Entrepreneurship Game for added fun and engagement.
- Redevelopment of the game for two rounds with customized metrics and scores.
- Creation of an offline experience with a small online aspect for final decision submissions.
- Development of a completely online, self-explanatory version for remote participants.
- Dedicated URL/server for the game to ensure smooth running and corporate branding.
- Planning and Preparation:
- Involvement of someone from Stora Enso with access to information on corporate innovation processes in game creation.
- Live testing of the final version to ensure functionality.
Inspiring Innovation at Kimberly-Clark through Customized Simulation
Client Profile: Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KCC)
Our collaboration with Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KCC) marked a significant venture into transforming their approach to innovation management. Initiated through a conversation and further refined through detailed discussions, this project aimed to utilize our Innovation Management Game as a tool for training and cultivating a culture of innovation among Country Managers.
Client's Request: Tailoring Innovation Training for Country Managers
The primary objective was to customize the Innovation Management Game for a session with Country Managers from Latin America, scheduled in Bogota. The client outlined key requirements and expectations:
- Takeaways and Objectives:
- Concrete takeaways for Country Managers post-game session.
- Emphasis on innovation as a social process.
- Understanding market dynamics, identifying unmet needs, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Active participation in the innovation cycle, strong communication, and integration into strategic planning processes.
- Understanding KCC's Innovation Process:
- Insight into KCC's Innovation Management Framework, a stage-gate model.
- Measures of success for various stages within the innovation process.
- High-Priority Innovation Topics:
- Selection of key innovation topics for the session: Marketing/Branding Innovation, Ideation, Open Innovation, Business Model Innovation.
- Special Terminology:
- Introduction to special KCC terminology, including IMF (Innovation Management Framework), SBP (Strategic Business Plan), ABP (Annual Business Plan), IBP (Integrated Business Plan).
- Challenges and Goals:
- Understanding the challenges faced by KCC in the innovation process, including maintaining business attractiveness and achieving growth.
Elevating the Marketing Curriculum at IMD
Client Profile: IMD - International Institute for Management Development
Our collaboration with IMD, a renowned global business school, centered on redefining and modernizing the Marketing curriculum within the Executive MBA program. Initiated by the Dean of the EMBA program, this project aimed to enhance the learning experience for part-time students participating in the Advanced Management Concepts - Marketing stream (AMC-MKT).
Client's Request: Transforming Marketing Education
The initial task involved the recruitment of a Marketing Expert to overhaul the online marketing stream, AMC-MKT. This module, part of the Executive MBA program, saw participation from part-time students with an average age of 41. The expert was entrusted with various responsibilities.
Learning Material: The chosen textbook for the stream was "Real Impact Marketing" by Michel & Duke, emphasizing a practical and impactful approach to marketing concepts. We've provided feedback on the textbook for educational purposes.
Evolution of the Assignment: As the collaboration evolved, the role expanded to reconstructing the overall marketing and innovation curriculum. The scope included the redesign of examination methodologies, emphasizing real-world application and critical thinking.
Outcome: Modernized Curriculum and Enhanced Learning Experience
Our collaborative efforts led to the transformation of the AMC-MKT stream, providing participants with a contemporary and practical understanding of marketing. The redesigned curriculum, examination methods, and ongoing feedback mechanisms contributed to a richer educational experience.
Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement and Innovation
The case exemplifies our commitment to enhancing educational programs, keeping them dynamic, relevant, and aligned with industry trends. If you're seeking a strategic partner to elevate your academic offerings, Innovative Dutch is ready to collaborate. Together, let's shape the future of education!
Open Innovation Mastery at TU Eindhoven – A Decade of Excellence
Client Profile: TU Eindhoven - Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences
For the past decade, TU Eindhoven's Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences has been at the forefront of innovative education, offering a course on Open Innovation that has consistently earned acclaim as one of the best in the Master of Innovation Management. The course, expertly co-designed by Jan Spruijt and Prof. Dr. M. Cloodt, delves into the intricacies of Open Innovation as a strategic framework.
Course Overview: Building a Foundation in Open Innovation
Introduction: The Open Innovation course at TU Eindhoven sets the stage for a deep dive into the strategic framework of Open Innovation, leveraging external knowledge to fuel internal innovation. Emphasizing the evolution from closed to open innovation models, the course addresses the current knowledge landscape's diversity and global distribution.
Course Structure:
- Strengthening Foundations (Weeks 1-4):
- Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of closed and open innovation models.
- Emphasizing the pivotal role of the business model in connecting internal and external innovation.
- Opening Up to Innovation (Weeks 5-8):
- Exploring the outside-in perspective, involving collaborative modes like M&As, alliances, and CVC.
- Understanding the crucial role of engaging customers through crowd-sourcing and co-creation.
- Broadening Perspectives (Weeks 9-12):
- Discussing open innovation from the lens of small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Unpacking the roles of inter-firm networks and business ecosystems in the research, development, and commercialization phases.
- Differentiate between closed and open innovation models.
- Recognize the significance of the business model and components of an open innovation business model.
- Identify modes facilitating the outside-in and inside-out perspectives.
- Interpret the role of lead users, crowd-sourcing, and co-creation.
- Apply open innovation concepts to real-life situations, including the Open Innovation Management Game.
Transformative Entrepreneurship Game for Tilburg University, NHTV, and Avans
Client Profile: Tilburg University, NHTV, and Avans
Our journey with Tilburg University (TiU), NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences, and Avans University of Applied Sciences began with a vision to revolutionize entrepreneurship education through an engaging and educational simulation game. Initiated Innovative Dutch TiU, Avans, and NHTV, this collaborative venture aimed to create a dynamic learning experience for students.
Client's Request: A Groundbreaking Entrepreneurship Game
Innovative Dutch expressed enthusiasm after our collaborative conversation, seeking to develop an 'Entrepreneurship Game' for TiU, NHTV, and Avans. The challenge was to design an immersive and educational game, aligning with the theoretical foundations of entrepreneurship, particularly 'The Lean Startup' model by Eric Ries.
Our Approach: Crafting an Immersive Learning Experience
- Built upon the game model developed by Innovative Dutch, the game simulated a realistic environment enriched with game elements for optimal learning.
- Grounded in 'The Lean Startup' model, the game covered pre-start, start-up, and scale-up phases of entrepreneurship.
- Designed to cater to both HBO and WO students, adaptable to varying skill levels and academic domains.
- Configurable to integrate seamlessly into existing modules, with optional extra modules for customization.
- Offline assignments (plugins) added depth to the gameplay.
- Depending on options, the game spanned 1EC-4EC.
- A denktank (think tank) was established, providing support in content, theory, and gamification throughout the development.
- Co-creation emphasized joint development, with feedback incorporated in both the developmental and operational phases.
Gamifying Open Innovation – A Dynamic Workshop for the Province of North Brabant & Baden Wurttemberg
Client Profile: Province of North Brabant & Baden Wurttemberg
In response to a compelling request from the Province of North Brabant, we eagerly accepted the opportunity to design a gamification workshop for the "Open Innovation Day" in Baden Wurttemberg. The challenge was clear: create an engaging and interactive experience for approximately 70 participants, focusing on practical aspects of open innovation.
Client's Request: A Gamified Approach to Open Innovation
Our esteemed client, represented by Coen, sought a dynamic workshop to infuse energy into the "Open Innovation Day" in Baden Wurttemberg scheduled for March 19, 2018. The primary aim was to complement the theoretical sessions of the day with a hands-on, gamified experience that would captivate the audience.
The Open Innovation Game: Participants embarked on a journey to execute an open innovation strategy for a virtual company. Teams engaged in friendly competition, aiming to build the most valuable business in the field. The game's variables included "Open Innovation," "Creativity," "Technological Excellence," "Strategy," and "Profit." The session concluded with the announcement of the winning team. Each participant received a personalized report, and further reading suggestions were made available online for continuous learning.
Client's Background and Urgency: The Province of North Brabant was entrusted with organizing the "Open Innovation" game for the prestigious "Open Innovation Day" in Baden Wurttemberg. The urgency was palpable, prompting a swift collaboration to brainstorm and align our capabilities with the client's vision.
Results: A Gamified Success Story
The gamification workshop left a lasting impact, infusing energy into the Open Innovation Day. Participants not only gained theoretical insights but also experienced firsthand the application of open innovation strategies in a competitive and collaborative setting.
Looking Ahead: Elevating Collaborative Learning Experiences
This case exemplifies our commitment to creating dynamic, gamified experiences that enhance learning and engagement. If you're seeking innovative workshops to elevate your events or training sessions, Innovation is ready to collaborate. Let's transform learning into an exciting journey together!
REWIN
Client Profile: NV REWIN West-Brabant
REWIN, a dynamic force in the West Brabant region, approached us with a clear vision — to accelerate business growth, spur innovation, and fortify their position as a hub for thriving enterprises. With a primary focus on supporting businesses through settlement and providing tailored services, REWIN aimed to enhance its approach to (open) innovation management.
Client's Challenge: Bridging Ambitions and Processes
REWIN, amidst a period of significant growth, identified a misalignment between their ambitious goals and the existing process-oriented approach to innovation management. The challenge was clear: How could REWIN streamline cluster initiation, maintain vibrancy, and ensure sustainable cluster growth while providing concrete output and showcases for stakeholders?
Our Approach: Crafting a Tailored Open Innovation Workshop
We tailored a specialized Open Innovation Workshop Series for REWIN, targeting key stakeholders Senior Managers and Business Developers in Maintenance, Biobased, and Service-logistics. Our workshop not only addressed the identified challenges but also aligned seamlessly with REWIN's overarching objectives.
Workshop Objectives:
- Inspiration and Learning: Instill a sense of inspiration and provide practical insights for business developers, emphasizing real-world applications of open innovation management.
- Professionalization: Facilitate a platform for professionalizing REWIN's innovation management, aligning strategies with the organization's growth trajectory.
- Cluster Dynamics: Tackle the central question head-on by devising strategies to expedite cluster initiation, maintain vitality, and implement effective maintenance practices.
- Concrete Output: Guide efforts toward tangible results and showcase development, ensuring resonance with REWIN's stakeholders.