Innovation Accelerator

Unlocking Creativity with Design Thinking for Sustainable Future

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Innovations are undoubtedly a key element that sets the measure of success of any business. We offer you a Summer School with a comprehensive 3-week programme that will provide you with an in-depth understanding of innovations and their significance for any type of entrepreneurship.You will also get a valuable experience in team working within an international environment. 

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SCHEDULE of the Summer School

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BASIC INFORMATION

Length of the summer school: 3 weeks
Number of ECTS credits allocated: 6 ECTS (1 ECTS credit – 26 hours)
Mode of delivery:  Hybrid Delivery –> In-Class and Outdoor Activities
Mode of completion: Graded course
Language of instruction: English
Level of course and year of study: Undergraduate Level Course

The Summer School programme includes key innovation strategies and methodologies like design thinking, agile project management, and net present value calculations. During the training, you will learn to:

• develop a competitive innovation plan that aligns with organizational goals
• analyze macro and micro environmental factors
• identify growth opportunities

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The programme strongly emphasizes developing leadership skills such as:

• visioning
• problem-solving
• communication
• collaboration to create a culture of innovation within an organization

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In addition, the programme includes modules on marketing and management fundamentals, innovation economics, and innovation presentation and pitching.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES and PROJECTS FOR STUDENTS
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                                                                              INFORMATION ABOUT MIAS TUTORS
                                                                                                                        (click on the “+” sign to see more)

• MIAS TUTORS

   

  Vincent Montenero, Ph.D.  Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies – Institute of Management Studies Vincent has always worked in the international arena. After four years as a consultant to B2B companies, he held several management positions (marketing manager, key account manager, managing director of Swiss and Austrian subsidiaries, etc.) with a German multinational, where he remained for twenty years. In 2008, he decided to devote himself to international consulting after obtaining a Master’s degree in intercultural management and training as a coach. He is also a certified AIRBUS facilitator, a company he continues to work for regularly. Passionate about teaching and passing on knowledge, he defended a PhD in management in 2017. He is an associate professor and researcher at MIAS, Czech Technical University. He is also an associate researcher at CEFRES (Prague). He is particularly interested in the evolution and functioning of international managers and the managerial consequences of new forms of work (telecommuting, use of AI, cybersecurity…)
  Petra Jílková, Ph.D. Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies – Institute of Management Studies Petra is an assistant professor at the Czech Technical University in Prague and a Service Designer with extensive experience in design thinking and product management. Her career has been distinguished by roles such as Service Designer and Product Owner for leading Czech banks, where she honed her skills in practical applications. This experience has not only deepened her understanding, but also enhanced her expertise in applying design thinking principles and innovative problem-solving techniques to complex business challenges. Petra’s approach to teaching is rooted in practicality over theoretical concepts. She stands out as more of a practitioner than a traditional academic, committed to demonstrating the real-world impacts of design thinking, service design, and product management. In her role, Petra guides students through interactive design challenges, focusing on developing their skills in creating optimized products, strategies, teams, and environments. Her classes are dynamic and business like, designed to foster analytical and creative skills in service design and product management, ensuring students gain valuable, practical insights.
  Dagmar Skokanová, Ph.D. Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies – Institute of Management Studies Dagmar currently works as the Head of the Institute of Management Studies at the Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies at CTU in Prague. From 2009 to 2017, she worked as an Assistant Professor specializing in marketing, international marketing and management at the Prague University of Economics and Business, where she also received her Ph.D. In 2009-2010 she completed a research internship at Tongji University in Shanghai. She studied Economics at the University of California Santa Cruz (2000-2003) and is a Court interpreter and English translator. Her main areas of interest include general marketing theory, social marketing, and international marketing, with a focus on the differences between Western and Eastern cultures, including the specifics of consumer behaviour. She is also interested in management and innovation management. She holds a Design Sprint Masterclass certificate from AJ&Smart (Jake Knapp and Jonathan Courtney), and regularly runs the Agile Bootcamp course with her colleagues at MIAS CTU in Prague.
  Petr Fanta Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies – Institute of Management Studies Petr is an experienced project manager, evaluator, and researcher. He has more than 20 years of experience in preparing and managing projects. Since 2015, he has been working as a researcher and teacher at the Czech Technical University, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies, teaching courses focusing on project management and regional policy. Petr specializes in evaluation of projects and programmes and is a member of the Czech Evaluation Society. In last years, he has been focusing on modern forms of project management and design of new products.
  Pavlo Blaho Senior Agile Coach / Transformation expert Pavlo is expert for implementation of modern ways of working. From Agile Teams to Top management. From basic Scrum and Kanban processes to Scaled Agile in companies. Defines the processes, roles, planning and leading Agile transformation. He helps with setting up organizations, with educating and motivating people, with starting the agile teams or whole departments. With the coaching of coaches, leaders, managers, teams and entire organizations. His activities include working with senior managers to help them find the best way of working and a suitable company culture.But he still feels like an “IT guy”, because of his experience in complete IT service, from coding to leading teams and departments. From new development to the coordination of maintenance and support.Palo gained experience in Munich, Frankfurt (Germany), Dublin (Ireland), Reading, London (United Kingdom), Nieuwegein (Netherlands), Richmond (USA) and of course the Czech Republic. Last but not least, he is an enthusiastic speaker at Agile conferences and meetings.
  Tomáš Sadílek, Ph.D. Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies – Institute of Management Studies Tomáš has been working at the Czech Technical University in Prague since 2020. Prior to joining the university, he worked as a sales representative and sales engineer at ŽDB Wire Mill and Mitsubishi Electric Europe. He focuses on the issues of consumer behaviour, retailing, and social and sustainable entrepreneurship, which are devoted to research and teaching in Czech and English programmes. He has been working as a visiting professor at partner universities abroad (USA, UK, China, France, Italy, Israel, Austria, Germany, Spain, Sweden). Tomáš is a supervisor of qualification theses focused on the issue of consumer behaviour in various applications and on the issue of social and sustainable business.
  Ladislava Knihová, Ph.D., MBA Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies – Institute of Management Studies Ladislava works for the Institute of Management Studies at the Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies of the Czech Technical University and The University of Finance and Administration. Her expertise lies in teaching digital marketing, education-based marketing, professional English, and English as a second language. She prioritizes integrating technology into teaching methodologies. Ladislava has a background in diplomacy and business, specifically in the SME sector, with a focus on engineering and trade. She has authored over 60 scientific articles and served as the editor of two professional books. She actively participates in scientific conferences both locally and internationally. Her current research interests are centered around the application of artificial intelligence in marketing and education. Among her most significant works is the professional monograph ‘Applying Interdisciplinarity in Globalization, Management, Marketing, and Accountancy Science,’ published in the USA, which she co-authored and edited.

MODULES DESCRIPTION
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• Innovation Strategies and Leadership Skills

  • Introduction to Innovation Leadership and its Importance for Organizations
  • Understanding Different Types of Innovation and Their Impact on Business

  This module includes an overview of different types of innovation, such as incremental innovation, disruptive innovation, and open innovation. The course also covers developing an innovation strategy aligning with an organization’s goals and objectives. This topic would explore creating a competitive innovation plan by analyzing the macro and micro environmental factors that affect an organization’s success. The module aims to identify and analyse macro-level trends and forces (such as demographic shifts, technological innovations, and regulatory changes) and micro-level factors (competitors, suppliers, and customers). The topic also covers using this analysis to inform strategic decision-making, such as identifying growth opportunities, assessing risk, and positioning the organization for long-term success. This part covers leadership skills such as visioning, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. These skills are essential for fostering a culture of innovation within an organization.




• Marketing and Management Fundamentals - Understanding the Marketing Mix

  • Developing a Competitive Strategy: Leveraging Macro and Micro Environmental Analyses
  • Marketing Mix Strategy
  • Developing an Innovation Proposition Using the STP Process

  This module introduces students to the basic principles of marketing strategy and the marketing mix. The module begins with an overview of the marketing components, including the role of analysis in identifying target customers and the four Ps´ of the marketing mix – product, price, place, and promotion. Students will learn how these elements work together to create a comprehensive marketing strategy that meets customers’ needs while achieving business goals.




• Design Thinking and Design Sprint: A Human-Centred Approach to Innovation

  • Design Thinking as a Methodology for Innovation
  • Design Sprint
  • Best Practices for Prototyping, Testing, and Iterating Product and Service Designs

  In this module, participants will be introduced to design thinking principles, a human-centred approach to innovation that emphasizes empathy, ideation, and prototyping. The module will cover the key stages of the design thinking process, including problem definition, research and empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will learn how to apply design thinking principles to address innovation challenges, focusing on developing solutions that meet end-user needs. Additionally, the module will introduce participants to the concept of a design sprint, a time-constrained process for rapidly prototyping and testing new ideas. Participants will gain hands-on experience with design sprints, working in teams to tackle a real-world innovation challenge. By the end of this module, participants will have gained a deep understanding of design thinking principles and design sprint methodologies. They will have the knowledge, skills and tools to apply these approaches to real-world innovation challenges.




• Project Management: Agile and Lean Startup

  • Agile Company: Ways to Encourage Innovation
  • Agile Project Management in Scrum

  In this module, students will learn about project management methodologies relevant to innovation projects, such as agile and lean startups. The module begins with an overview of project management principles, including planning, execution, and control. Students will then explore how these principles can be applied to innovation projects, which often require flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances. By the end of this module, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage innovation projects and navigate the challenges of bringing new ideas to market.




• Innovation Economy: Calculating Net Present Value and Developing a Business Case

  • Innovation Economics: Calculating Net Present Value and Developing a Business Case

  In this module, students will explore the economic aspects of innovation, including calculating Net Present Value and developing a business case for new product or service ideas. They will also understand the importance of developing a comprehensive business case to support innovation projects, including identifying and addressing potential barriers to success.




• Innovation Presentation and Pitching: How to Pitch an Innovation to a Panel of Experts

  • Innovation Presentation and Pitching: How to Pitch an Innovation to a Panel of Experts

  In this module, participants will learn how to effectively present and pitch their innovation to a panel of experts. The module will cover the key elements of a successful innovation pitch, including problem definition, solution design, value proposition, market analysis, and financial projections. Participants will also learn how to tailor their pitch to different audiences and effectively communicate the unique value of their innovation. Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will gain a deep understanding of the art of pitching. They will have the opportunity to enhance their presentation skills in an exceptionally supportive, constructive and friendly environment.

Learning outcomes :

Upon successful completion of this course, you will:

• • gain a deep understanding of innovation principles, applying creative thinking and ideation skills and implementing design thinking techniques;
  • comprehend the importance of innovation leadership and develop an entrepreneurial innovation strategy; learn how to strategically plan and manage innovation in the context of the specific market;
  • acquire the ability to present and pitch innovations effectively, considering ethical and social implications, and gain valuable project management skills;
  • be capable of working in international teams and collaborating effectively within an international environment.

Accommodation
Nearest accommodation- MIAS CTU has arranged a limited number of bookings at Masaryk Dormitory Hotel (***), see more information in Term and Conditions:
Participants have to pay for the accomodation:

List of possible choices near MIAS CTU:

• Hotel Avion Praha
• City Castle Aparthotel
• Hotel DAP
• Hotel MEDA 
• Hotel Schwaiger
• Vienna House by Wyndham Diplomat Prague
• Hotel International Prague (Grand Hotel International Prague)

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YOUR SUMMER SCHOOL TEAM
mias-summerschool@cvut.cz