The PhD course on Open Innovation at Antwerp Winter University provides an in-depth examination of the theories and practices essential to understanding and implementing open innovation in both academic and professional contexts. The curriculum begins with foundational concepts and theories of open innovation, establishing a comprehensive understanding of its principles. It then explores various open innovation models and frameworks, enabling students to analyse and compare different approaches to fostering innovation within organisations.
A significant focus is placed on digital ecosystems and platforms, investigating their role in facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange in the digital age. The course also covers strategic aspects of open innovation, guiding students in developing and applying strategies that leverage external ideas and partnerships to drive innovation. Practical applications are emphasised through case studies and real-world examples, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and develop critical problem-solving skills.
Additionally, the course addresses the international dimension of open innovation, incorporating intercultural competencies and global perspectives to prepare students for diverse and international environments. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, collaborative projects, and discussions, fostering an interactive and comprehensive learning experience. By the end of the course, students will have a robust understanding of open innovation, equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to research and practice in the field.
Detailed programme
| Day 1 (Monday, February 10th) | ||
| TIME | SESSION | TOPIC |
| 9:00 – 10:30 | Session 1 | Introduction to the course IMEC case study |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Session 2 | Introduction to OI |
| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Session 3 | Open Innovation in Science and Deep Tech |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Group Work | |
| 17:00 – 18:30 | Welcome Reception University of Antwerp @Agora | |
| 19:00 – 22:30 | Dinner | |
| Day 2 (Tuesday, February 11th) | ||
| TIME | SESSION | TOPIC |
| 9:00 – 11:00 | Session 4 | Open & entrepreneurship |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Session 5 | Open Innovation and Corporate Venturing |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch | |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Session 6 | OI, ecosystems and platforms |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Group Work | |
| Day 3 (Wednesday, February 12th) | ||
| TIME | SESSION | TOPIC |
| 9:00 – 11:00 | Session 7 | OI and crowdsourcing |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Session 8 | OI and business model innovation |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch | |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Session 9 | OI and Sustainability |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Coffee Break & Networking | |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Group Work | |
| Day 4 (Thursday, February 13th) | ||
| TIME | SESSION | TOPIC |
| 9:00 – 11:00 | Session 10 | Broadening the scope of OI in future research |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Session 11 | OI and intellectual property |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch | |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Session 12 | Future research outlook in OI |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Coffee Break & Networking | |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Group Work | |
| 19:00 – 22:00 | Closing Dinner | |
| Day 5 (Friday, February 14th) | ||
| TIME | SESSION | TOPIC |
| 9:00 – 10:30 | Session 13 | Developing, writing and publishing your OI research |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Session 14 | Group Presentations |
| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Session 15 | Group Presentations & Next steps |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | Coffee Break & Networking | |
Target group
The winter school is designed for PhD students and junior faculty.
Prerequisites
Participants should have at least completed the first year of their PhD in a research area related or adjacent to Open Innovation.
Campus
This winter takes place at Stadscampus (Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp) of the University of Antwerp. This campus is located in the city centre.
Micro-credential and study credits (ECTS)
5 ECTS credits are awarded upon successful completion of the programme. Participants need to attend the scheduled course contact hours, perform satisfactorily in all continuous assessment tasks of the course (including group work assignments and presentations).
Participants who attend the scheduled course contact hours but don't complete the tasks will receive a certificate of attendance.
Participants need an agreement with the responsible person at the home institution to include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution. A certificate will be awarded at the end of the programme. All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential.
Learning outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the PhD course, the participants should be able to:
- Distinguish open innovation at different levels of analysis (individual, organisational, ecosystem) and through a lens of different research units (scientists, incumbents, SMEs, startups, etc.)
- Reflect upon past, present, and future open innovation research directions along with closely related theories
- Identify anomalies and interesting innovation phenomena, which aren’t fully explained by current theories
- Identify appropriate theories, frameworks, and models that allow systematic analysis, theoretical explanation, and practical recommendations that can be applied to the discussed cases
- Demonstrate the ability to disseminate research to a wider public
- Demonstrate the ability to develop a research proposal
- Demonstrate the ability to develop research questions, choose appropriate research methods, and select the most relevant theoretical approach