Innovation in Action (IIA)

Master innovation through real-world application: reinventing the fan experience in sports and entertainment

Apply now

Programme overview

UEFA has partnered with the IMD Business School and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to run this unique Innovation in Action Programme. This programme explores innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to equip Senior Management in sports organisations with all they need to know to lead innovation and drive change within their organisations.

The four-month programme makes use of the parkour methodology, used by both UEFA and IOC, a perspective that emphasizes the non-linear context of innovation journeys. With this approach participants will acquire the necessary knowledge and develop an entrepreneurial mind-set to drive innovation within their organisations.

Throughout the different parts of the programme, participants will hear from leading experts in the field of innovation and design thinking as well as undertake various interactive group works to develop their skills. The content will provide participants with industry case studies, an understanding of design thinking and key innovation frameworks, innovation parkour and to create action plans for their own organisations. Moreover, participants will be able to generate and pitch their own innovative ideas. Moreovoer, participants will work on a concrete, real-world challenge and explore innovative ways to rethink customer journey’s during and after major sporting events.

For staff of UEFA member associations looking to take part in the programmes please contact: Academy@uefa.ch for more information.

Quick view

Type of learning

E-learning Face-to-Face

Skills Trained

Soft skills Hard skills

Estimated hours of learning

Faq

Who Senior Management in sports organisations, individual entrepreneurs
When Once year in Autumn
How long 1 month live virtual classes (3h per week), 1 face-to-face week, coaching session during 1 month
Where Online, IMD campus, UEFA & IOC headquarters (Switzerland)
Price 8’900 CHF (7’000 CHF negotiated price for staff of UEFA member associations)
Number of participants min. 25
Academic certification Certificate of completion by IMD
Language English
Inclusivity and Diversity We welcome all participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures, recognising the unique value that diversity brings to our community. If you have any uncertainties about meeting specific programme criteria, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Important dates

31 Jul 2023 Applications close for the third edition
02 Oct 2023 Module 1: Launch – Immerse yourself (online sessions)
30 Oct 2023 Module 2: Design – learn, apply and reflect (face-to-face seminar)
04 Nov 2023 Module 3: Transform – transfer learning to your own context (coaching session)

Takeaways

Gain a full understanding of what is innovation and the design-thinking approach
Transfer learning from participants own context and implement a concrete action plan
Learn, apply, and reflect on innovation best practices from within and outside the sporting industry
Develop a global network of participants also looking to drive innovative practices within their organisations
Reflect on and improve your own leadership style and effectiveness

WHAT OUR STUDENTS AND EXPERTS SAY

"The lecturers brought in different and self-fulfilling aspects of the innovation process, and all in all I feel that the program really lifts my knowledge and understanding about innovation some notches. The program succeeds specially in teaching the use of powerful innovation tools and in giving us awareness about human aspects to be taken in consideration during an innovation process!" Luis Alberto Morais da Conceicao Head of improvement at Otovo AS and member of the arrangement committee of Norway Cup

"Many organizations tell us they want to be fast, agile, and re-invent the value they can bring to business and society, but game-changing offerings are hard to come by. Most executives struggle to define what it means to be truly innovative. And they want tools that will help them keep up with the rapid pace of change occurring in their business environments." Cyril Bouquet Programme's Director, IMD

Roadmap

1. Module 1 “Launch” 2 Oct- 30 Oct 2023

Immerse yourself

• Discover the program
• Define your learning objectives

• Embrace design thinking and learn key innovation frameworks
• Meet innovation experts • Introduction to real-world challenge

3 online sessions (3 hours each) over 1 month – liVe virtual classroom

2. Module 2 “Design” 30 Oct - 4 Nov 2023

Learn, apply and reflect

• Explore innovation best practices
• Flex your leadership skills
• Discover innovation ParKour
• Dive into a real-world innovation challenge
• Pitch your innovative ideas
• Transform innovative ideas into breakthrough solutions
• Develop your action plan

4 days at IMD campus – 1 day at UEFA HQ – 1 day at IOC Headquarter – 1 evening at Olympic Museum

3. Module 3 “Transform” 4 Nov - 30 Nov 2023

Transfer learning to your own context

Work with IMD coaches to implement your concrete action plan around meaningful areas of change for yourself, for your
team, and for your whole organization.

Individual coaching session during 1 month (online)

OUR PARTNERS

IMD Business School, Lausanne, Switzerland

IOC

UEFA Innovation Hub