This course explores how innovation is created, supported, and scaled within large corporations and public sector organizations. Learners examine foundational innovation theory, including disruptive innovation, internal structures that foster creativity, and the process of moving ideas from concept to commercialization, with real‑world examples from successful innovators.
Module 1: Foundations of Organizational Innovation
Defining innovation and its strategic importance
Characteristics of innovative organizations
Key drivers and enablers of innovation
Module 2: Barriers and Types of Innovation
Organizational and cultural barriers to innovation
Incremental, semi‑radical, and radical innovation
Disruptive innovation and Clay Christensen’s framework
Module 3: Internal Structures and Tools for Innovation
Role of idea champions
Idea incubators and innovation labs
New venture teams and skunk works models
Module 4: From Idea to Commercialization
Idea generation and evaluation
Development, testing, and scaling innovations
Commercialization processes and challenges
Module 5: Innovation in Practice
Case studies of successful corporate innovators
Lessons learned from large organizations
Adapting innovation principles to complex environments
Module 6: Innovation in the Public Sector
Unique challenges of public sector innovation
Policy, accountability, and stakeholder considerations
Strategies for fostering innovation in government and public institutions
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
Outline the key characteristics of innovative organizations
Identify common barriers that hinder innovation
Differentiate between incremental, semi‑radical, and radical innovation
Explain the principles of disruptive innovation and appropriate organizational responses
Describe internal innovation tools such as idea champions, incubators, new venture teams, and skunk works
Explain the stages involved in moving an idea from innovation to commercialization
Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of innovation in the public sector
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Learners will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.