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Vienna Innovation Program

The Vienna Innovation ProgramWU will take place from May 13 until May 24, 2024, and builds on WU faculty’s expertise in this area. For two weeks a group of master students, both from WU’s international partner institutions as well as from WU, will jointly attend this intensive short program and work together on real life group projects.

The program was developed specifically for master students, who often cannot spend a full semester abroad. It also includes social and cultural activities in and around Vienna with the aim of offering both a high quality academic and intercultural experience to the participants.

Academic Program

Prof. Christopher Lettl

The academic program will be taught by a team of WU's Institute for Strategy, Technology and Organization, which is headed by Prof. Christopher Lettl. The program builds on a combination of lecture elements, case analyses, class discussions, exercises, and group work. Particular emphasis will be placed on practice-orientation and work in group projects.

 

Developing solutions to real-life innovation challenges in cross-cultural teams is a core benefit of this program. The program offers a deep dive into topics like sustainability innovation, the role of humans in the advent of new technologies, and innovation ecosystems. In two weeks, the students learn how to successfully adapt to the changing world as well as how to lead the change in a positive way. Approaching innovation in a holistic manner allows participants to understand the world’s complexity.

Dr. Sonja Sperber and Alessio Delpero, PhD, MBA - members of the 2023 academic team

Social program

For international students the program includes sightseeing & cultural activities, ranging from a Vienna city tour to a daytrip to the Austrian Alps, as well as social events. The aim is to give visiting students a taste of Austrian and European culture while at the same time providing opportunities for networking and socializing.

Impressions of former participants

Sanjay Sukumar
Sanjay Sukumar

There were several reasons why I enrolled for this program. First and foremost, I wanted to gain some hands-on experience in solving complex, ill-defined problems. Secondly, I wanted to add to the international aspect of my business education. Working with colleagues from multiple schools and nationalities, I gained practical experience together with a diverse team.

Indiana University - 2023

Anusha Kamath
Anusha Kamath

The social aspect of the program was the highlight given my specific networking goals, but I was impressed by the diverse perspectives and backgrounds in the cohort. To make the best out of this program, I recommend actively participating in both in-class and out-of-class activities.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School - 2023

Caleb Waitsman
Caleb Waitsman

The networking side of things is a differentiator for this program. Building friendships and professional relationships with future business leaders from around the world is difficult to coordinate, but WU has succeeded in building the right environment to foster that network growth. The program is intense but provides ample opportunity to share and receive unique perspectives based on international experience. I came in with the mindset of wanting to expand my professional network, but I’m walking away with friends that I plan to see in future years whether or not it benefits my career.

University of Texas at Austin - 2022

Mia Liao
Mia Liao

Applying to the Vienna Innovation Program is one of the best decisions I made in life that has greatly changed me for the better, both professionally and personally. The academic curriculum is solidly built to deliver real-world, updated knowledge that inspires students to approach business innovations from various angles. Most importantly, the relationships built and the memories created at the program are treasures that I will cherish always.

University of British Columbia - 2022

Last update: December 2023. All information on the Vienna Innovation Program website is subject to change.

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