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Executive Innovation and Digital Transformation programs

All courses at a glance
Innovation

Transforming innovative ideas into strategic advantage

Innovation is not a buzzword or a passing trend. It is a critical leadership capability that enables organizations to turn ideas into sustainable strategic advantage. At ESMT Berlin, our executive innovation programs are designed to help leaders systematically apply innovation management principles, design thinking for leaders, and transformation capabilities in complex, real-world environments.

Participants develop the skills needed to identify new opportunities, drive innovation initiatives, and lead change across functions and markets. Learning takes place in Berlin’s unique startup and corporate ecosystem, offering direct exposure to established companies, scale-ups, and emerging ventures.

Through peer exchange, practical frameworks, and hands-on tools, executives gain insights they can immediately transfer back to their organizations to deliver measurable, global impact.

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Programs cater to innovation management for executives in real situations.
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Study in Europe’s innovation capital, with access to startups, corporates, and tech hubs that support business innovation programs in Berlin.
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Short, intensive formats focus on innovation and strategy program outcomes and decision making.
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Frameworks help you scale pilots, build buy-in, and track impact.
Bianca Schmitz

Strategically positioning their solutions, winning over key internal stakeholders, and identifying the right channels and resources are crucial success factors for corporate innovators.

Dr. Bianca Schmitz
Program Director, Executive Education, ESMT Berlin
This is a photo of Samson Wollenberger-Schevitz
Participants' voices: Design Thinking Workshop

The highlight of the Design Thinking workshop for me was that it’s very hands-on. In just three days, you go through the entire design process yourself, which is very different from simply reading about it or understanding it on a theoretical level.

Samson Wollenberger-Schevitz
Managing Director at Partners Partners & Company
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Align strategic projects with business objectives, ensuring stakeholder commitment.
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Integrate customer insights and emerging technologies to foster innovation and responsiveness.
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Effectively manage KPIs and make informed build, partner, or buy decisions.

Who the programs are for?

  • Senior leaders responsible for innovation, R&D, product, or transformation

  • Managers who need innovation management for executives to scale creative thinking in teams

  • Strategy and digital leaders who must connect innovation and strategy program goals

  • Entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs building new growth inside established companies
     

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...that improve decisions
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..., KPIs, and pilots that scale
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...for innovation and change management
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...and join a European peer network

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is an executive innovation program?

An executive innovation program is a short, practical course that teaches leaders how to run innovation management, design thinking, and transformation initiatives that create business results.

Who should attend innovation leadership courses at ESMT Berlin?

Programs are designed for senior managers, executives, and intrapreneurs who lead product, strategy, R&D, or business innovation programs in Berlin and beyond.

How do innovation and digital transformation programs differ?

Innovation programs focus on customer insight, experimentation, and new value creation. Digital transformation programs add technology and operating model change to scale innovation across the business.

Are there short courses available in innovation management?

Yes. ESMT offers short courses and sprints in innovation management course Germany formats as well as blended and face to face options.

Resources on the topic of innovation

Christoph Burger and Jens Weinmann with their book "Leveraging Digital Innovation"
Making digital innovation work

Based on their new book, ESMT experts share insights from their latest book to help leaders tackle the real challenges of digital transformation.

Listen to the podcast episode
Great idea concept - lightbulb
Why now is the time for “Open Innovation”

Open innovation has the potential to widen the space for value creation: It allows for many more ways to create value, be it through new partners with complementary skills or by unlocking hidden potential in long-lasting relationships.

Read article
Ines Eckert
Hear from a program participant

Ines Eckert, an alumna of ESMT's Leading Digital Transformation program, tells us her experiences and insights.

Read interview
tech and human hand shake
What is Deep Tech?

Beyond the buzzword: Explore the world of deep tech and see how ESMT Berlin’s DEEP Institute brings together science, entrepreneurship, and business education.

Learn more

Looking for more information, a consultation, or support with your application?