Innovation Management Studies
Content and Perspectives

Innovation Management Studies: Content and Perspectives

In a world that is constantly changing due to technological breakthroughs and rapidly changing market requirements, the ability to innovate is becoming a decisive success factor for companies. A degree program in innovation management prepares students to turn creative ideas into successful business strategies. This article provides an overview of what makes a degree program in innovation management stand out, what content is taught, and what career opportunities arise from it. Find out why this discipline is so exciting and relevant for forward-thinking minds.

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What qualifications are needed to study innovation management?

If you enjoy creating new things, working in teams and thinking in a solution-oriented way, you have the ideal qualities for studying innovation management. This course of study also offers an exciting challenge to those who enjoy dealing with future trends and approach change in a positive way.

  • Teamwork:
    • Innovations often arise from collaboration with others. Good communication and cooperation skills are important.
  • Interest in trends and technologies:
    • A natural curiosity about future topics, technological developments and social changes is an advantage.
  • Strategic thinking:
    • Innovation management not only includes the generation of ideas, but also their implementation and positioning in the market. A sense of long-term planning is helpful.
  • Organizational talent:
    • Projects must be planned in a structured way and carried out efficiently. Organizational talent and a focus on objectives are therefore essential.
  • Resilience and flexibility:
    • Innovation processes are often characterized by uncertainties and setbacks. Stamina and the ability to adapt quickly to new situations are valuable.
  • Entrepreneurial thinking:
    • If you want to be successful in innovation management, you should have a sense of economic interrelationships and market needs.

Munich Business School - biggest advantage

The following diagram shows in brief what the greatest advantage of Munich Business School is.

Study innovation management in Germany

In Germany, there are various opportunities to study innovation management as part of different degree programs. These programs are often interdisciplinary and combine elements from business, technology, creativity and management. Here are the most common options:

  1. Bachelor's degree programs
    • Innovation Management (B.A. or B.Sc.): A specialized course of study that teaches the basics of innovation and technology management. The focus is on creative idea generation, business modeling and the implementation of innovation projects.
    • Industrial Engineering with a focus on Innovation Management: This course of study combines technical content with business knowledge and a special focus on innovations in technical systems.
    • Business administration with a focus on innovation: a traditional business administration program that has been expanded to include modules such as product development, design thinking or technological innovation processes.
    • Technology management: this program combines technological developments with innovation strategies and prepares students for the development and marketing of new technologies.
  2. Master's degree programs
    • Innovation Management (M.A. or M.Sc.): Advanced programs that deal intensively with strategies for promoting innovation, change management and managing innovation projects. They are particularly suitable for students with a business or technical bachelor's degree.
    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation: This course focuses on the development of start-ups, business models and entrepreneurial innovation.
    • Technology and Innovation Management: An advanced master's program with a stronger focus on the technical aspects of innovation and digital transformation.
    • Digital Business and Innovation: This program combines innovation management with topics such as digitization, big data and artificial intelligence.
  3. Dual study programs
    • Dual Bachelor's in Innovation Management: A combination of studies and practical work in a company, with a focus on innovation processes and project management.
    • Dual Master's in Technology and Innovation Management: Here, students work on real innovation projects in companies while studying the theoretical foundations in parallel.
  4. Further education courses
    • MBA with a focus on innovation management: For professionals who want to prepare for leadership roles, this course offers a mix of management knowledge and innovation strategies.
    • Certificate programs or part-time programs: For professionals who want to expand their knowledge of innovation management, there are special courses of study that can be completed flexibly while working.
  5. Interdisciplinary programs
    • Design and innovation: Combining innovation management and design thinking, ideal for creative professions and developing user-centered innovations.
    • Sustainability and Innovation Management: This program focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly innovation strategies.
    • Culture and Innovation Management: For those interested in driving innovation in cultural and creative industries.

With a wide range of courses available, interested parties can focus on their individual strengths and interests – be it in the fields of technology, economics, design or sustainability.

Facts: Innovation Management program at Munich Business School

At Munich Business School, you can study for a Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a focus on innovation management. This gives you the perfect mix of business knowledge and practical experience and project management skills, through a business project for example, to help you shape your future according to your ideas. These are the most important facts about studying at MBS:

Duration of study:

18 or 24 Months

Degree:

Master of Arts

Start of studies:

Every September

Degree program:

Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Language of study:

English

Tuition fees:

EUR 8.580 per Semester

Form of study:

In person at the campus in Munich

Highlights:

Dual Degree, Mentoring Program & Guest Lectures by Experts

Areas of focus:

Individual Components through Electives such as Social Entrepreneurship, Technology Trends or „Success Factor Happiness“

This is what you will learn
in innovation management studies

Course content: Innovation management studies

Category Course content
Basics Business administration and management, business law and ethics
Core areas of innovation management Innovation strategies, design thinking and creativity methods, technology and trend management, product and process development
Practice-oriented content Project and process management, change management-entrepreneurship
Digitization and innovation Digital transformation, big data and artificial intelligence
Supplementary content Market and competition analyses, sustainability management, communication and presentation
Practice and graduation Practical projects and case studies, final thesis

This table summarizes the main topics and content areas of the course. It shows how broad and practical the course is.

Study innovation management or business administration with a focus on innovation management?

A business degree with a focus on innovation management offers you a broader foundation than a degree in innovation management alone. While innovation management is highly specialized in the development and implementation of new ideas, business administration gives you a comprehensive knowledge of business contexts, such as finance, marketing, human resource management and corporate strategy. This broad base not only helps you to develop innovations, but also to better understand their economic impact and to embed them in a targeted manner in the corporate context.

By specializing in innovation management, you can still gain in-depth knowledge of creative processes and trend analysis, but you have the advantage of also being flexibly deployable in other areas. This makes you a sought-after specialist who can take on both operational and strategic tasks. This combination opens up more diverse career opportunities for you and enables you to manage innovations holistically.

Studying Business Administration at Munich Business School

Munich Business School not only offers you an excellent business degree program, but also focuses on international business so that you can pursue your chosen career anywhere in the world after graduation. The Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship at MBS offers many highlights such as semesters abroad, internships, business projects, plenty of networking opportunities and much more. At Munich Business School, you can expect small study groups, dedicated teachers and award-winning programs. But more importantly, your name matters to us. Here, you are not an anonymous member, but the driving force that motivates us every morning. As a small, private university, we take time for your concerns and offer you a customized study experience. Our lecturers have extensive practical experience and teach you skills that really count. In addition to in-depth business knowledge, we also promote values and abilities that bring you, as a future innovation management expert, closer to sustainability and social responsibility and optimally prepare you for a wide range of professions.

Benefits of the Munich Business School

MBS offers some sensational advantages that are possible primarily because of the structure of a private university of applied sciences. You will benefit from the following aspects during your studies at Munich Business School:

International Future Prospects

Study in English & take advantage of many networking opportunities

Becoming a Generalist and a Specialist at the same time

Broad knowledge through business studies & specialized knowledge through different areas of focus

Learn from Experts

Specialists as guest lecturers and professors with business experience

Double Education

in Finance and Management

Individualized Support

Support through small class sizes and mentoring program

That's how easy it is to study at MBS:

 

Personal Interview

 

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Structure and completion of an innovation management program

Innovation management courses are usually modular in structure and combine theoretical knowledge with practice-oriented projects. Here is an overview of the typical course of study and the degree awarded:

5. Final phase (last semester)

  • Practical project:
    • Working on a comprehensive project in collaboration with a company or as part of a start-up scenario.
  • Final thesis:
    • Working independently on a research topic or a practice-related issue.
    • Developing innovative solutions or business models.

Completing the innovation management program

Bachelor's degree

  • Duration: Usually 6–7 semesters (3–3.5 years).
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), depending on the focus of the program.
  • Career entry: Graduates are qualified for positions in companies, agencies or start-ups, e.g. as innovation managers, project managers or consultants.

Master's degree

  • Duration: 3–4 semesters (1.5–2 years).
  • Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.Sc.).
  • Specializations: A stronger focus on strategic management, digitalization or sustainable innovation.
  • Career prospects: Leadership positions in companies, technology management, management consulting or founding your own company.

Optional further education

  • MBA with a focus on innovation:
  • For professionals who want to prepare for leadership roles.
  • Certificate courses or part-time master's programs:
  • For professionals who want to deepen their knowledge in areas such as innovation processes or digital transformation.

The program is highly application-oriented due to its practical nature and strong integration of real-world business projects. The degree qualifies graduates for exciting careers in future-oriented and dynamic fields.

The innovation management program at MBS

Do you want to start a business and acquire the knowledge necessary for a successful start-up? Or are you looking to pursue forward-looking topics and play a driving role in innovation and entrepreneurial thinking after your master's degree? Then the Master Entrepreneurship at MBS is the ideal start to your success story.

The Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship program provides you with in-depth business know-how, promotes an entrepreneurial mindset, and gives you the essential skills and tools to successfully implement innovative ideas either in a company or when founding your own start-up.

With the aim of creating a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practice of innovation and entrepreneurship, the program places a strong emphasis on practical solutions and real-world learning experiences. It prepares you to take a leading role in the development of new ideas and businesses. Join us on an exciting journey to unleash your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, and actively shape change in a dynamic, global economy.

International Focus

The studies at MBS focus on the international market. A large part of the course content is taught in English and MBS students come from all over the world.

Semester Abroad

Internationality is also expressed through the semester abroad. Students spend the last semester at one of our more than 60 partner universities around the world.

Business Project

Students work on a business project for a real company. In doing so, they apply the theoretical knowledge gained during their studies in practical applications.

Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship - No. 1 Choice

The following diagram shows that the Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at Munich Business School is the No. 1 choice for shaping the future.

Course content of the Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at MBS

Degree-specific modules

The modules of the Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in Munich prepare you for a career in start-ups, family businesses, consulting or in the innovation department of a company. In small groups, you will learn how to develop business ideas, create business plans and found, manage and scale a start-up. You will acquire the knowledge to successfully identify and manage innovations and implement them in an international context. The combination of research and practical projects with innovative companies will foster your entrepreneurial thinking, enabling you to develop creative and sustainable solutions to current challenges.

Business Project

A central component is the business project, in which you work on a practical issue in collaboration with a real company and directly apply your skills.

Core Modules

The core modules provide you with general business knowledge in areas such as international management, business communication and responsible leadership. The focus is on interdisciplinary exchange and the practical application of models in a globalized world.

Electives

With elective courses such as Social Entrepreneurship, Technology Trends or “Success Factor Happiness”, you can customize your studies or specialize in a research project.

If you have any further questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact our student advisory service.

Looking to find out more?

Studienberater MBS: Uttamdeep Kaur, B.A.

Application

In order to qualify for the Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship study program, you must fulfill academic, linguistic, and to some extent professional requirements.

You may submit your application documents at any time. Since the places are limited, we advise you to apply for your desired study start as early as possible.

 

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

The main requirement for admission to the Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship study program is a successful Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS or more). Applicants with a degree in Business Studies/Management/Economics are entitled to apply  for the program directly, applicants without a degree in economics can qualify for the program by completing the Pre Master Program. Upon request, we will gladly verify your documents in advance. Please contact your Program Advisor.

Language Requirements

English Proficiency

Applicants must proof their English language skills by passing one of the following language tests:

  • TOEFL iBT & Home Edition: min. 85 (min. of 22 in writing band, min. of 20 in all other bands; MBS TOEFL Institution Code: 5772)
  • IELTS & IELTS Online: min. level of 6.5– Academic Module
  • ELS English for Academic Purposes: Advanced Level 112
  • Duolingo English Test: Overall Score 115 or higher
  • Pearson PTE Academic: Overall Score 56 or higher
  • Cambridge: Min. 173 or Grade B or higher

Note: If the test is also used to apply for a visa, please check the requirements of the respective embassy in advance.

Test results can only be accepted if achieved within the last two years. If you are unable to obtain your test results before handing in your MBS application, please inform us about your planned test date.

The English proficiency test can be waived by the following candidates:

  • Applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e., High School Diploma, IB)
  • Applicants having completed their first academic degree in English

Application Deadline

Application deadlines in detail

We accept applications all year round. However, we recommend that you apply as early as possible, as the number of places is limited.

Spring semester (Master International Business only)

  • Application guideline for Europeans (no visa): December 10
  • Application guideline for non-Europeans (visa required): October 31

Applicants from Vietnam, China and India should allow an extra month to apply for the relevant visas.

Winter semester

  • Application guideline for Europeans (no visa): July 15
  • Application guideline for non-Europeans (visa required): April 30

Applicants from Vietnam, China and India should allow an extra month to apply for the relevant visas.

Application Process

Step 1: Written Application

When submitting your online application, please provide the following mandatory documents:

  • Answering questions of motivation (various questions are available for selection during the online application process)
  • Résumé/CV
  • Copies of your graduation certificates* and/or current university transcripts*

You may also upload the following additional documents:

  • recent photo of yourself (professional, in color with bright background)
  • Copy of the school leaving certificate (e.g., Highschool Diploma, IB, Abitur)*
  • Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or ELS)
  • Reference letters (if available)
  • Scholarship application (statement of 1-2 pages)

*Please provide the original documents or certified copies when you gain admission and matriculate to the program.

Online Application

Step 2: Admission

Qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview on site in Munich or online via Microsoft Teams (approx. 30 - 45 minutes). The interview may include the processing of a case study.

As soon as you are an admitted student, you have the opportunity to get to know MBS even better – before making your final decision whether to join Munich Business School.

Our study advisors will of course be available for all kinds of potential questions and personal consultations.

Step 3: Study Contract

Once you have successfully completed the application process, Munich Business School will provide you with an acceptance letter as well as two copies of your study contract. Please sign one copy and return it within two weeks to secure your spot in the program. The other copy needs to be kept for your own records.

The acceptance to the study program requires an enrollment fee of 690 Euro (EU/EFTA) respectively 1,490 Euro (non-EU) and a deposit of 1.990 Euro due upon signing the study contract. The deposit will be deducted from your first tuition fee installment.

Step 4: Student Visa

If you are a non-EU national, you are required to apply for a student visa in order start your studies in Germany. To obtain a visa invitation letter from Munich Business School, which is necessary to apply for the visa, please add a copy of your passport details page when handing in your signed study contract.

More about Student Visa

Scholarships

Munich Business School offers attractive scholarship programs amount up to EUR 4,000 of the overall tuition fee. (Up to EUR 2,000 on the 1st and 2nd master's semester).

If you wish to apply for a scholarship, you should include an application when you submit your overall application. You can find further information on our scholarships and financing page.

Alumni experience report

Perfect concept ★★★★★

“The experience has been very good throughout. The aim of the program is not only to impart knowledge about economics, but also to broaden one's horizons and to get a perfect start in the international working world after the program. Here, students don't study against each other, but with each other. The professors and lecturers don't just read their slides, but also want the students to understand the material.”

Felix on StudyCHECK

Innovation management salary

Salaries in innovation management vary depending on professional experience, company size, industry and location. Here is an overview, although it should be noted that the figures given are averages and may vary depending on individual factors:

  1. Average annual salary: Innovation managers in Germany earn an average of around €66,400 gross per year.
  2. Factors influencing salary:
    • Professional experience:
      • Beginners with less than 3 years of experience receive an average of €54,000 gross per year.
      • With over 10 years of experience, the salary can increase to around €88,700 gross per year.
    • Personnel responsibility:
      • Innovation managers with personnel responsibility tend to earn more than those without.
    • Company size:
      • Salaries are often higher in larger companies.
    • Industry:
      • Certain industries, such as the automotive industry or the energy sector, pay higher salaries.
    • Region:
      • In federal states such as Bavaria and Hesse, average salaries are higher than in other regions.
  3. Gender gap: Men earn an average of €69,800 gross per year, while women receive around €60,800.
  4. Additional benefits: In addition to the basic salary, many companies offer bonuses, company pension schemes

The Munich Business School in Numbers

750+
Number of Students

60+
International Partner Universities

60+
Founded Startups

57 %
International Students

Job opportunities after studying innovation management

The following table shows that graduates of an innovation management program can work in a variety of industries and professions. They work in strategic, operational or creative roles and contribute to the successful implementation of innovations.

Occupational field Possible job titles Responsibilities
Innovation management Innovation manager, innovation project manager Development and management of innovation projects, introduction of new products or services
Technology management Technology consultant, technology manager Monitoring and implementation of new technologies, evaluation of technological trends
Product development Product manager, development engineer Design and implementation of new products, improvement of existing products
Business consulting Consultant for innovation strategy, change management consultant Consulting for companies on the implementation of innovations, change management
Entrepreneurship Founder of a start-up, business developer Development of new business models, establishment and management of one's own company
Marketing and sales marketing manager for innovations, innovation sales specialist development of market entry strategies for new products, customer and market analyses
Research and development R&D manager; innovation analyst Identification of new research fields, development of innovative solutions
Project management Project manager for innovation projects, process optimizer Coordination of interdisciplinary teams - Optimization of innovation processes
Sustainability management Manager for sustainable innovations, CSR consultant (Corporate Social Responsibility) Development of environmentally friendly products and processes - Implementation of sustainability strategies
Digital Transformation Digital innovation manager, data scientist for innovations Implementation of digital business models, use of big data and AI for innovation processes
Education and teaching Lecturer in innovation management, trainer in creativity methods Transfer of knowledge in the field of innovation, conducting workshops

Have you ever wondered what jobs you can get with a business degree?

Then take a look at our page on business administration careers. There, we explain many of the jobs that you can get with a business degree.

Business Administration Jobs

3 examples of jobs in the field of innovation management

The diversity of innovation management is reflected in a number of exciting professional fields. Here is a closer look at three examples of careers:

Innovation Manager

Tasks: Innovation managers are responsible for developing and implementing innovation projects. They analyze market trends, identify new business opportunities, and lead the development of new products or business models. They coordinate projects, implement creative ideas, and track their market success.

Special feature: The job combines strategic thinking with creative problem-solving. Innovation managers actively shape the future of the company and often work on groundbreaking technologies or concepts.

Digital Innovation Manager

Tasks: Digital innovation managers drive digital transformation in companies. They develop digital business models, implement new technologies and optimize digital processes. Their tasks also include developing strategies for digital innovations and introducing innovative platforms.

Special feature: This job combines innovation management with state-of-the-art technology. Digital innovation managers design digital solutions that keep companies competitive. The focus on future technologies makes the job particularly exciting.

DID YOU KNOW?

After an MBS Bachelor's or Master's degree, you can also take up all these professions abroad without any problems.

FAQ

What is studied in the field of innovation management?

A degree in innovation management prepares you to develop creative ideas, implement them strategically and successfully establish them in the market. You will learn how innovations in products, processes or business models are created, how they are evaluated and managed, and how you can use trends and technologies for companies. In doing so, you combine knowledge from business, technology and creativity to actively shape the future.

What is entrepreneurship and innovation management?

Entrepreneurship and innovation management deal with the development, implementation and marketing of new ideas, products or business models. While entrepreneurship focuses on the founding and management of companies, innovation management is concerned with promoting innovative processes and strategies in existing organizations. Together, they form the basis for creative solutions and economic success.

What does a process for innovation management in a company look like?

An innovation management process in a company begins with the collection of ideas, often through trend analysis, creative methods or employee suggestions. The ideas are then evaluated, prioritized and the best ones selected. These are tested in pilot projects, further developed and finally implemented. Finally, the success of the innovation is measured, and the knowledge gained is incorporated into future projects.

What is global innovation management?

Global innovation management refers to the development and implementation of innovations in an international context. It takes into account global trends, markets and resources to create competitive products, services or business models. It combines cultural diversity, technological developments and cross-border collaboration to successfully innovate worldwide.

What is an innovation management degree?

A degree in innovation management qualifies you to strategically develop, implement and market innovative ideas. It gives you in-depth knowledge in areas such as creativity techniques, project management and corporate strategy, enabling you to drive innovation in a range of industries.

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Studienberater MBS: Uttamdeep Kaur, B.A.
PAGE-TITLE: Innovation Management Studies