As an innovation consultant, I recognised a significant gap in the market: businesses needed to become more innovation-savvy. The aim was to educate professionals involved in business improvement, innovation, and new product development (NPD) on the various stages of the innovation process, the importance of fostering an innovation culture, and creating an environment conducive to innovation.
To address this need, I developed a comprehensive 6-week online course titled the “Innovation Maturity Certification Scheme.” This initiative not only aimed to establish my authority in the field but also to build my reputation as an innovation expert.
The primary objectives of the course were to:
- Provide participants with a solid foundational grounding in what innovation is.
- Equip them with practical skills to apply innovation strategies within their organisations.
The initial cohort was priced at £1150 per ticket and attracted 7 students from the UK, Australia, and Canada. It took approximately 3 weeks to create the syllabus and supporting materials, ensuring that the content was comprehensive and relevant. The syllabus was meticulously crafted to cover essential topics related to innovation, including its definition, types, drivers, barriers, and the role of leadership in fostering an innovative culture.
Participants were expected to achieve measurable outcomes, including:
- A solid understanding of innovation concepts.
- Practical skills for implementing innovation strategies in their organisations.
The Innovation Maturity Certification Scheme successfully filled a crucial gap in the market, providing participants with essential knowledge and skills to foster innovation within their organisations.
Feedback from participants was largely positive, with several key insights:
- One participant rated the course 10/10, expressing appreciation for the diverse perspectives and ideas shared, and wishing that more individuals could attend.
- Another participant rated it 9/10, noting that the course provided an excellent introduction to innovation management and was highly recommended for newcomers.
- A third participant rated it 8/10, suggesting that additional expert content would enhance the learning experience.
- One seasoned participant felt the course was too basic for their experience level, rating it 6/10, but acknowledged the new clients gained during the course.