Managing innovation: an immersive day at the heart of transformation
Kedge Business School
opened the doors of its Luminy campus to 90 students for a unique day dedicated to innovation management. Students, professors and professionals converged to exchange, learn and reflect together on the major issues and strategies linked to innovation. Guided by experts, participants benefited from a rich program combining theory and practice, in a studious yet convivial atmosphere.
A tailor-made program to understand and apply innovation
From 8am, participants were welcomed in a warm atmosphere over coffee. Claude Spano, Kedge's Director of Innovation and Corporate Relations, and Marie-Dominique Franco, Project Manager at the Institute of Cancer and Immunology (ICI) at Aix-Marseille University (AMU), set the tone for the day by emphasizing the importance of innovation in an ever-changing world.
The morning was then devoted to a captivating lecture by Kedge professor Paul Gimet.
Students explored the foundations of innovation:
- Definition and strategic issues: Understanding why innovation is more than just a novelty, but an essential driver for the survival and growth of organizations.
- The historical evolution of innovation: An enriching retrospective, from traditional linear models to modernopen innovation approaches.
Gourmet break and small-group collaboration
At midday, discussions continued over a convivial lunch on the campus terrace. The groups formed for the next day's case studies had the opportunity to get to know each other and exchange points of view, fostering a collaborative dynamic essential to the spirit of the day.
Case studies to anchor concepts
The afternoon plunged participants into concrete, strategic themes:
- Fostering innovation: Studying the key elements of managing innovative organizations.
- Adopting innovation: deciphering the role of marketing and strategies for overcoming resistance to change and accelerating the adoption of new products or services.
An inspiring close
The day concluded with a lively discussion session between participants and organizers. The closing session provided an opportunity to look back on the highlights of the day, and to consider concrete ways of applying what they had learned to their own career paths.
A key event for tomorrow's players
The day was much more than just an academic event: it marked a step towards a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and challenges of innovation. Thanks to a harmonious balance between theory, discussion and practice, participants left with concrete tools and a clear vision of their role in an ever-changing world.
