Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Technology and Innovation

Module 1 – Business Fundamentals

In the introductory module, students engage with essential business concepts and their relevance for technology- and innovation-driven enterprises. They build a solid foundation in strategic management, accounting, controlling, finance, and risk management. These business fundamentals enable students to critically assess entrepreneurial decisions and evaluate the economic viability of innovation projects.

In addition, they gain an understanding of key economic interrelationships as well as current developments in sustainability, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reporting standards. The focus is on linking theoretical foundations with practical applications – for example, through case studies and discussions of current challenges from a business context.

Upon completion of this module, students are able to contribute targeted economic, financial, and strategic perspectives to innovation and technology projects. They also share a common foundational understanding that supports their work in the subsequent modules of the programme.

Module 2 – Idea Generation

This module focuses on the systematic development and evaluation of innovative business ideas. Students explore creative methods such as Design Thinking and Lean Startup, learning how to structure the generation, testing, and further development of new solutions. Both technology-driven and market-driven innovation approaches are examined.

Particular emphasis is placed on understanding customer needs and designing business models that create clear value. Students analyse customer journeys, develop value propositions, and design initial viable concepts. Alongside practical work with tools and frameworks, they also engage with theoretical foundations of innovation culture and entrepreneurial thinking.

By the end of this module, students will be able to facilitate creative processes effectively, identify innovation potential, and formulate well-founded initial concepts for new products, services, or business models.

Module 3 – Technology and Innovation Management

This module focuses on the targeted steering and implementation of innovation processes in technology-driven environments. Students learn how to identify, assess, and strategically integrate new technologies into existing business models. They explore key concepts of technology and innovation management – from the early detection of technological trends to the design of company-wide innovation strategies.

The content covers both push- and pull-driven innovation approaches, the development of innovation portfolios, and how to address uncertainty and complexity in the innovation process. In addition, students deepen their knowledge in the field of business analytics and learn to make data-based decisions in an innovation context.

By the end of this module, students will have the necessary skills to strategically evaluate technological developments and make innovation-relevant decisions that are evidence-based and future-oriented.

Module 4 – Innovation Implementation

This module focuses on the successful realisation of innovation initiatives. Students learn how to effectively transform ideas and technologies into market-ready products, services, or processes. Key aspects include agile project management, process management, and the integration of innovations into existing structures.

Special attention is given to managing complex innovation projects, addressing resistance and change, and building effective value creation networks. The module is complemented by practical insights into best practices and strategic implementation approaches from successful innovation processes.

By the end of this module, students will be able to plan, implement, and sustainably integrate innovation projects within an organisation. They will possess the methodological expertise and practice-oriented skills needed to bring innovation initiatives to success efficiently and effectively.

Module 5 – Leadership Competence

This module is designed to strengthen the personal and social skills of students in the context of leadership, communication, and collaboration within innovation-oriented organisations. It addresses the challenges of modern leadership in a dynamic, digital, and increasingly complex working environment.

Students explore various leadership styles and tools while reflecting on their own role as leaders. Topics such as agile leadership, change management, intercultural team leadership, negotiation techniques, as well as storytelling and pitching are taught and practised in a hands-on manner. Group discussions and individual feedback sessions support personal growth and the development of an authentic leadership style.

By the end of this module, students will be able to lead teams effectively, actively shape change processes, and communicate and represent their innovation projects convincingly.

Optional Module – International Study Trip

The international study trip is an optional opportunity for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of technology and innovation management through global perspectives. Together, we visit innovative regions and ecosystems around the world – previous destinations have included Silicon Valley in San Francisco and leading innovation hubs in Canada, such as Toronto and Montreal.

The programme focuses on company visits, workshops, networking events, and direct exchanges with experts from academia, the start-up scene, and the business sector. The aim is to reflect on the content covered in the MBA within a global context, gain fresh insights, and experience best practices first-hand.

The study trip not only offers valuable intercultural experiences but also serves as inspiration for further professional development and the master’s thesis. Each year, a new, thematically relevant destination is selected that addresses current trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.