ITU Acceleration Centers

Selection criteria: 

• ITU Acceleration Centers

Number of available places for the cohort: 

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

• Develop, implement, and scale technology-driven initiatives within innovation ecosystems, ensuring they are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Describe key elements and dynamics of digital innovation ecosystems and the importance of stakeholder collaboration.
• Use the Playbook’s structured, iterative framework to develop actionable plans for ecosystem initiatives from conception to scaling.
•  Create a detailed roadmap for their initiatives, ensuring alignment with ecosystem goals and stakeholder needs.
• List the strategies to effectively engage and mobilize stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that supports innovation.
•  Design monitoring and evaluation frameworks that assess the sustainability and impact of their initiatives over time.

The course is led by an instructor and includes knowledge checks, quiz at the end of each module, case studies, hands-on exercises, self-study materials, interactive online collaboration resources (e.g. MIRO board), reflective practice, and a capstone project (end-course assignment). The instructor will lead the course through a live Q&A webinar  . The case study assignments and the final capstone project will be graded by the instructors. The coordinator will provide support to participants ensuring assignments are submitted on time.

The assessment and grading process in this course will involve knowledge checks and quizzes in each module, along with a final quiz at the course's conclusion. The assessments in each module play a crucial role in gauging the participants' overall comprehension of the course content and their progression towards meeting the learning objectives.

The knowledge checks within each module do not have a limit on attempts; however, participants will have up to three attempts for the final quizzes at the end of each module and for the ultimate quiz at the completion of the course. To receive the ITU certificate, a total score exceeding 70% is necessary. Forum Participation is also mandatory.

The final grading will be calculated as follows: 

Final quiz at the end of the course 5% 

Discussions forums 10% 

End module assignments 35%  

End-course assignment (capstone project) 50% 

Module 0 Foundational Concepts of Ecosystem Initiative Development  

Key learning points

Participants will be able to:

• Explain the critical components of innovation ecosystems and describe the interactions between various stakeholders.
• Apply foundational concepts to real-world scenarios, laying the groundwork for subsequent modules in the course.
• Recognize potential collaboration opportunities within their ecosystems, facilitating the development of impactful initiatives.  

Training activities details  

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far. 

Module 1 Background and Theory 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Explain the key elements and significance of innovation ecosystems in driving digital transformation and addressing societal needs. Explain the necessity for new approaches in strategic foresight.
•  Utilize the ITU Innovation Framework to develop strategic, sustainable initiatives tailored to local and global contexts.
• Evaluate diverse ecosystem initiative examples and articulate actionable strategies for implementing similar projects in their own environments.

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far. 

Module 2 Step-by-Step Guide to Ecosystem Initiative Development  

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Apply the ITU methodology framework to their own ecosystem initiatives to ensure systematic development and successful implementation.
• Formulate strategies to engage and collaborate with key actors effectively throughout the initiative's lifecycle.
• Evaluate the role of the Acceleration Center in supporting initiative development and describe best practices for transitioning ownership to project partners for sustainable outcomes.

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Quiz Activity
• Forum Discussion

Module 3 Play Area 0: Considerations before we play
Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Identify and engage key stakeholders for a collaborative and co-creative approach to conduct a foresight study. 
• Set up and use digital collaboration platforms for brainstorming, capturing ideas, and working together in real time. 
• Recognize the significance of documenting and verifying results from co-creation sessions to make well-informed decisions in strategic foresight endeavours. 
• Design effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks of a project or initiative by incorporating necessary measures. 

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Summary 
• Try It Exercises
• Quiz Activity
• Forum Discussion
• Q/A Session 

Module 4 Play Area 1: Opportunity Discovering and Onboarding 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Examine clear articulation of a Vision, Mission, and Values statement tailored to their initiative.
• Describe of stakeholder needs and improved engagement strategies.
• Describe how to conduct research and assessments that inform effective initiative design and implementation.

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises
• Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
• Quiz Activity

Module 5 Play Area 2: Roadmap Design

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Construct a prioritized list of opportunities ready for action in their initiative.
• Demonstrate enhanced decision-making skills by effectively evaluating the impact and effort of various issues.
• Apply a clear, actionable roadmap that reflects the prioritized opportunities aligned with stakeholder goals.

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises
• Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
• Quiz Activity

Module 6 Play Area 3: Prototyping and Validation  

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Create a prototype that reflects iterative input and enhances user experience.
• Describe how to effectively storyboard user interactions, translating insights into improved design.
• Articulate a Governance Framework that ensures smooth operation and collaboration during implementation.
• Craft a compelling brand message that resonates with stakeholders and aligns with the initiative’s objectives.

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises
• Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
• Quiz Activity
• Forum Discussion 

Module 7 Checkpoint 2: From Prototyping to Design & Implementation 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Create a cohesive Initiative Concept Note that aligns stakeholder objectives and outlines a strategic roadmap for implementation
• Craft an engaging Pitch Deck that effectively communicates their initiative’s vision and value proposition to potential partners and stakeholders.

Training activities details

• This Module doesn’t contain any quizzes or Exercises as it’s a checkpoint for moving forward) 

Module 8 Play Area 4: Initiative Design

Key learning points

• Articulate the connections between activities and outcomes through a well-defined Theory of Change.
• Identify potential partners and resources to support their initiatives, thereby enhancing their capacity for success.
• Create a communication strategy that effectively conveys key messages and engages relevant stakeholders.

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises
• Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
• Quiz Activity

Module 9 Play Area 5: Business Model Planning and Implementation 

Key learning points

• Describe the critical chain of activities that support initiative implementation, ensuring effective project progression.
• Explain how to align initiatives with existing networks and stakeholders within an ecosystem, enhancing relevance and maximizing impact

Training activities detail

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises
• Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
• Quiz Activity

Module 10 Play Area 6: Monitoring and Evaluation  

Key learning points

• Design an M&E framework with clear metrics for outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Manage risks through the RAID framework, developing mitigation strategies.
• Explain the iterative nature of M&E and adapt strategies based on ongoing data collection and analysis.

Training activities detail

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises
• Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
• Quiz Activity

Module 11 Checkpoint 3: From Implementing to Scaling the Initiative 

Key learning points

• Draft an Implementation Plan and related strategies for scaling.
• Identify key resources and partnerships required for successful expansion.
• Evaluate their initiative's impact and make informed recommendations for future growth.

Training activities detail

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.

Module 12 Play Area 7: Scale-up & Sustainability 

Key learning points

• Conduct M&E evaluations and identify actionable insights for future growth.
• Craft engaging success stories that effectively communicate the impact of their initiatives.
• Assess your entire Ecosystem initiative development journey for offboarding 

Training activities detail

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises
• Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
• Quiz Activity

Capstone Project 

• Participants are required to finish and submit their capstone project