Managing Innovation

Faculty member teaching executive education participants in HBS classroom adorned with international flags

Take a deep dive into the prototyping and experimentation practices of the world's top innovators. Come away with the tools and strategies you need to lead groundbreaking work.

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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What differentiates the world's most innovative companies? How do you design a cutting-edge innovation strategy? And what does it take to execute it?

Managing Innovation explores the latest tools, operating models, and business strategies used by leading companies across the globe. You'll leave ready to build and lead a highly creative, innovation-focused culture that consistently delivers results.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Understand AI technology and the impact on your business

  • Explore new frameworks and operating models for developing breakthrough products and services  

  • Rethink your company's innovation system with a more customized and focused strategy  

  • Examine new innovation models that leverage AI  

  • Anticipate and respond to burgeoning technology trends  

  • Execute successful innovation initiatives that drive long-term growth 

  • Apply design thinking to drive innovation  

  • Ensure innovation continues in times of shrinking budgets and resources

Program Format

  • 5
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • Vice presidents, directors, and other senior managers tasked with developing new products, services, and customer experiences  

  • Target expertise areas include research and product development, engineering, product management, marketing, operations, and finance, or strategy 

Individuals and teams are welcome to attend. Sending two or more representatives from your organization fosters teamwork and amplifies program impact.

Global Perspective

A diverse group of four executives laughing and engaging in a casual business meeting, seated around a wooden table with documents
10%
Africa
13%
Asia Pacific
14%
Europe
5%
Latin America
15%
Middle East
43%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 17%

    High Technology

  • 15%

    Financial

  • 9%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 7%

    Education

  • 7%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 6%

    Chem/Pharma/Bio

  • 6%

    Consumer Products

  • 6%

    Manufacturing

  • 5%

    Health Care

  • 5%

    Transportation

Experience

Years Worked

  • 3%

    Less than 10 years

  • 15%

    10-14 years

  • 30%

    15-19 years

  • 29%

    20-24 years

  • 11%

    25-29 years

  • 10%

    30-34 years

  • 2%

    35-39 years

Companies That Have Participated

  • Chanel
  • Cisco
  • Clif Bar & Company
  • Little Rapids Corporation
  • Pacific Dental Services
  • Roketsan
  • Salesforce
  • Servicios Liverpool S.A. de C.V.
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Toyota Motor Corporation

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

  • Headshot of Stefan H. Thomke

    Stefan H. Thomke

    William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration, Chair, General Management Program

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.