- Pankhury Harbansh
- Innovation ITU-D
Intermediate
Event Organizer(s)
Description
This training course is by invitation only.
Ecosystem Initiative Development 201 is an online course designed to equip ITU Acceleration Centres with skills for building and expanding digital innovation ecosystems. Based on the Playbook for Ecosystem Initiative Development, it aligns with the ITU Innovation Framework and aims to accelerate digital transformation and support national development agendas. The course focuses on collaborative approaches and provides participants with a structured methodology to design and implement technology-enabled initiatives.
Targeting policymakers, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem facilitators, the instructor-led program offers interactive sessions with experts, personalized guidance, and collaborative discussions. Through comprehensive modules, and practical exercises, participants will learn to navigate innovation ecosystems, engage stakeholders, and ensure the sustainability and impact of their initiatives. Join us to unlock the potential of your ecosystem initiatives and drive transformative change!
ITU Acceleration Centers
Selection criteria:
- ITU Acceleration Centers
Number of available places for the cohort: 30.
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.
This is a self-paced online course that combines flexible, independent learning with expert instructor support. The course includes 12 interactive online modules with embedded try-on exercises, module quizzes, interactive collaboration resources (including MIRO boards), and a final course quiz. Participants will complete four graded assignments (Modules 4, 7, and 11) and a final capstone project, both of which will be evaluated by the instructor with personalized feedback. While you learn at your own pace, your instructor provides expert guidance throughout your journey. The course begins with a live Q&A webinar on Zoom where the instructor will orient you and answer initial questions. The instructor will grade all assignments and your capstone project, ensuring you receive the feedback and support needed to succeed.
The assessment and grading process in this course will involve assignments for specific modules (Modules 4, 7, and, 11), a capstone project at the end of the course, and a final course quiz. It is to be notes that participants will have up to three attempts for the final course quiz at the completion of the course. These assessments 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 and at the end of each module are designed for self-assessment and practice; they do not contribute to your final course grade and have no limit on attempts.
The final grading will be calculated as follows:
- Discussions forums: 10%
- Final Quiz: 10%
- Module Assignments: 35%
- End-course assignment (capstone project): 45%
To receive the ITU certificate, a total score exceeding 80% is necessary. Forum participation is also mandatory as part of the course requirements.
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: Quiz
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
- Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Assignment (prepared via using Miro board for their research findings)
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
- Quiz Activity
Final Quiz
- Complete finale quiz
Capstone Project
- Participants are required to finish and submit their capstone project
Tutors
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
