This course is designed for professionals in various sectors interested in learning more about digital innovation ecosystems.  This includes:

• Policymakers and government officials
• Regulators
• Entrepreneurs
• Business development managers
• Innovation experts

To be eligible for this training course, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field and have a basic understanding of information & communications technology concepts. 
• Be currently involved in an ongoing innovation project professionally with their employer institution
• Possess a fluent level of English. 
• Complete the application questionnaire and attach an up-to-date CV. 
• Prior experience or involvement in digital projects or initiatives is beneficial but not required. 
• Government officials and policymakers from developing countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply. 

Number of available places for the cohort: 30 slots. 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the key components and characteristics of Digital Innovation Ecosystems.
• Evaluate the impact of digital technologies on innovation within ecosystems.
• Identify the various players within an ecosystem and their roles.
• Develop strategies for fostering a culture of innovation in their own organizations.
• Critique different approaches to building and managing digital innovation ecosystems.
• Apply their knowledge to real-world case studies of successful ecosystems.

The course will adopt a dynamic learning approach that combines:

• Interactive lectures delivered by industry experts.
• Group discussions to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Case studies focusing on real-world Digital Innovation Ecosystems.
• Interactive exercises and activities to apply learning to practical scenarios.
• Optional self-study assignments to deepen understanding.

Schedule of Live Interactive Lectures:

• Week 1
  • Monday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Wednesday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Friday: Quiz 1 and Forum 1
• Week 2
  • Monday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Wednesday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Friday: Quiz 2 and Forum 2
• Week 3
  • Monday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Wednesday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Friday: Quiz 3 and Forum 3
• Week 4
  • Monday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Wednesday: 1400–1600 Hours CET
  • Friday: Quiz 4 and Forum 4

Participants will submit their end-of-course individual assignments by the conclusion of Week 4.

Participants will be graded based on the following criteria: 

• Weekly Quizzes (4): 28%
• Weekly Forums (4): 28%
• End-of-Course Individual Assignment (1): 44%

To earn the ITU certificate, participants must achieve a total score of 70% or higher.

Programme Overview

Week 1

Sessions: Introduction to Digital Innovation Ecosystems
Learning Outcomes:

1. Define and analyze the core components of Digital Innovation Ecosystems.
2. Explain their historical evolution and current trends.
3. Explore the role of digital technologies in shaping these ecosystems.

Week 2

Sessions: Understanding the Ecosystem Players
Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the key players within a Digital Innovation Ecosystem (e.g., innovators, entrepreneurs, corporations, government, and academia).
2. Analyze the roles and interactions of these players.
3. Explore the importance of collaboration and partnerships.

Week 3

Sessions: Creating a Conducive Ecosystem Environment
Learning Outcomes:

1. Outline the importance of a supportive regulatory environment.
2. Explore the role of intellectual property rights and analyze the impact of government policies and incentives.
3. Discuss the importance of fostering a strong entrepreneurial culture.

Week 4

Sessions: Leveraging Digital Technologies and Future Trends
Learning Outcomes:

1. Explore the role of emerging technologies (AI, IoT, blockchain) in driving innovation.
2. Analyze the impact of digital transformation on industries and business models.
3. Discuss the future trends shaping Digital Innovation Ecosystems.