Summer school helps students build sustainable business mindsets

A summer school led by UCL to build students’ understanding of innovation management is encouraging entrepreneurship and inspiring delivery of sustainable business solutions that benefit society.

Bright minds and entrepreneurial thinking are vital if humanity is to address the complex challenges facing the world, and to meet the SDGs targets. A summer school delivered by the UCL School of Management (SoM) is helping to upskill a cadre of new managers who will help guide future innovation ecosystems.

The module runs as a two-week residential course, Innovation Ecosystems for Grand Challenges, in the heart of London’s financial district at Canary Wharf. It is open to postgraduates from all disciplines from partner educational institutions. The course combines theory and practice to convey concepts of how businesses can be managed to create and benefit from innovation ecosystems, and emphasises data-driven analysis, risk management and prioritisation.

“By connecting discussions of innovation in organisations to urgent global problems, students develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities to be critical decision-makers in complex environments, such as those relating to SDGs,” explains Professor Magda Hercheui, MSc Management Programme Director, UCL SoM.

During the summer school, UCL experts and industry professionals deliver a range of interactive lectures, discussions and activities, with topics ranging from the innovation ecosystem framework to business model platforms, artificial intelligence and climate and urban innovation.

In 2023, more than 30 students studying management and business, some with engineering, at UCL or at one its partner institutes in Belgium, China and India completed the course. In future years, the organisers plan to extend its reach to North America, South America and other parts of Asia.

The course culminates with students completing an assignment to develop a business plan for a new or existing company, following the principles of a research-based education, as defined by the UCL Connected Curriculum, that all UCL students are able to learn through participating in research and enquiry at all levels of their programme of study.

“By connecting discussions of innovation in organisations to urgent global problems, students develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities to be critical decision-makers in complex environments, such as those relating to SDGs.”

In 2023, several students chose projects relating to the SDGs, from assignments in the areas of global cancer healthcare and wellbeing for ageing populations (SDG3), to developing new materials for batteries (SDG7), to supporting education for children with disabilities in developing countries (SDG4).

By teaching aspects of management theory for innovation management, students go away equipped to bring key stakeholders together, including government, funding bodies and companies. In addition, to help focus minds on complex global challenges and the SDGs, students learn about green finance, AI for sustainability, circular economies, and develop leadership skills for volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environments.

“Many students feel really passionate about the topics they research in their coursework,” Professor Hercheui adds, “particularly after realising they can do something to help solve a small part of a big puzzle.”