The Master of Science in Innovation – Orientation in Innovation Management provides students with a strong theoretical foundation and the practical tools to address innovation challenges in complex and changing environments. It explores the innovation process from initial ideas to market launch, encompassing R&D, product development, marketing, and intellectual property protection.

The programme places particular emphasis on contemporary challenges such as sustainability, digitalization, and societal transformation. It also examines the broader impact of innovation on society, distinguishing its approach from those focused primarily on technological development.

A key strength of the programme is its close connection between theory and practical application. Through projects based on real-world challenges and collaboration with companies, students learn to apply concepts and methods to concrete situations. A broad range of electives allows them to tailor their studies to their interests and career objectives.

The standard programme comprises 90 ECTS credits over three semesters, with the possibility of extending it to 120 ECTS credits. Students can choose from several options, including a track in Business Analytics, a track in Sustainability Management, an internship combined with a Master’s thesis, or a research-oriented thesis.

Admission

The programme is open to applicants from différent academic backgrounds, provided they already have a solid foundation in management and/or economics. Admission may be direct or subject to the completion of prerequisite courses.

Students entering the program via direct admission typically eligible include:

• Holders of a bachelor’s degree in management and/or economics from a recognized Swiss university
• Holders of a bachelor’s degree in management and/or economics from a recognized Swiss University of Applied Sciences (HES/HEG) with an average grade of at least 5.00
• Holders of a bachelor’s degree in management, economics, or a related field from a recognized non-Swiss university (subject to file evaluation)
• Holders of a recognized bachelor’s degree in another field who can demonstrate prior university-level coursework in management and/or economics (subject to file evaluation)

Students entering the program with prerequisites (30 ECTS) typically eligible include:

• Holders of a bachelor’s degree in a field other than management and/or economics from a recognized university (subject to file evaluation)
• Holders of a bachelor’s degree from a Swiss University of Applied Sciences (HES/HEG) with an average grade below 5.00 (subject to file evaluation)

Learning objectives and career prospects 

In terms of learning objectives, the programme develops competencies in creativity, innovation management, strategic thinking, and complex problem-solving. Students also learn how to manage uncertainty, work across disciplines, and lead innovation and organizational change. The objective is not only to understand how innovation happens, but also to develop the ability to turn ideas into concrete solutions and manage their implementation within organizations.

These competencies are relevant across virtually every sector—from industry and technology to healthcare, services, finance, and the public sector—as organizations increasingly need people who can navigate change, identify new opportunities, and translate them into meaningful innovation.

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