Innovation

The Innovation Microdegree is aimed at individuals interested in developing innovative ideas into applied projects across various companies, organizations, and fields, as well as across different sectors.

The program is suitable for entrepreneurs, managers, consultants, officials (e.g., public sector thematic leaders), and master’s students who must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent level of education.

A graduate of the Innovation Microdegree program will possess domain-specific knowledge and skills. They will understand global development trends, associated opportunities, and challenges. They will comprehend what innovation is and why it is necessary (long-term competitiveness and profit, broader impact of the organization’s mission, and influence in society). They will have the capability to develop an innovation strategy and tactical plan for their organization and/or field of activity.

They will understand where and how ideas originate (including from within the company, outside the organization, or through collaboration) and be familiar with methods for generating, synthesizing, and piloting ideas. They will know how to identify the best ideas (validation, experimentation, prototyping/piloting, feedback). They will be able to turn their own and their team members’ ideas into projects (reality) and, in connection with this, lead the team, applying the innovation and entrepreneurship process within their field. They will be able to see the broader societal connections of their ideas and understand the essence and purpose of national policies, measures, and supports (mainly in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and science) in driving change in society, the economy, and specific organizations.

The prerequisite for starting the studies is a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent level of education. The microdegree program is conducted in Estonian, but a B2 level proficiency in English is required as some of the study materials are in English. Enrollment in the program is based on a motivation letter.

Program with Three Courses, Studied Together with Master’s Degree Students of “Entrepreneurship and Technology Management,” “Contemporary Economics,” and “Strategic Management.”

The program consists of three courses:

1. Innovation Policy
2. Innovation in the Public Sector and Economic Policy Formulation
3. Entrepreneurship Projects I

Classes are scheduled twice a month. Specific dates and times for each course can be found on the course page. Note: The exact schedule for the courses will be finalized in June.