Why In many cases real innovation takes place only when professionals out of different disciplines start working together. In these networks one can create value that is not, or not that fast, within reach of the single organizations. In alliances products and services can be integrated and aligned with customers demands. Access to new markets, technologies and other resources can be gained together. Networks can also deliver flexibility needed to hedge risks and help to cope with high rates of change. This is why many organizations feel that open innovation in networks plays a key role in their strategy for sustainable growth.
However Creating Value Networks that really deliver the full value they promise is not easy. Due to their various backgrounds professionals teaming up in a network may approach, verbalize and value fundamental matters differently. Some may focus on information and a rational analytical approach. Others are more team-oriented and based on values, interests and criteria. And more and more we find the perspective of the designer, focusing on experience, form and proportionality. In addition, the business-models the partners prefer to use may differ radically, an effect that is amplified when partners are to be drawn also from the public or not-for-profit sector.
What a series of 7 two-day master classes, an opening and closing conference and three public seminars to which participants can invite their network. During the course participants prepare, digest and evaluate in smaller groups guided by coaches. Each participant works during the whole course on one actual personal case. The course starts with an informal meeting with all potential participants. During this meeting we present the course, the program committee and the staff. Each master class features one master on the topics listed below and a workshop related to a second order topic to be selected by participants on topics such as indicated in the second list.