
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Skills you'll gain: Innovation, Creativity, Brainstorming, Process Development, Design Thinking, Organizational Leadership, Product Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Product Lifecycle Management, Team Management, Business Strategy, Lean Methodologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Innovation, Creativity, Strategic Thinking, Case Studies, Market Opportunities, Human Centered Design, Curiosity, Storytelling, Growth Mindedness, Business Modeling
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Copenhagen Business School
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Business Planning, Case Studies, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Goal Setting, Resource Management, Organizational Strategy, Peer Review, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Leadership, Innovation, Organizational Structure, Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, Culture Transformation, Change Management, Business Strategies, Organizational Change
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Agile Product Development, Market Trend, Operational Efficiency, Strategic Thinking, Customer Insights, Customer experience strategy (CX), Innovation, Market Opportunities, Business Strategy, Customer Engagement, Technology Strategies, New Product Development, Business Modeling, Business Technologies, Organizational Change, Business Strategies, Business Transformation, Competitive Analysis, Customer Analysis
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurship, Strategic Decision-Making, Innovation, Creativity, Team Management, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Technology Strategies, Creative Thinking, Business Modeling, Strategic Thinking, Value Propositions, Collaboration, Business Planning, Strategic Planning, New Product Development, Cognitive flexibility, Entrepreneurial Finance, Open Mindset, Leadership
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Team Management, Technology Strategies, Strategic Thinking, Business Modeling, Innovation, Product Lifecycle Management, Business Strategy, New Product Development, Intellectual Property, Value Propositions, Competitive Analysis, Market Dynamics, Case Studies, Creativity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Agile Product Development, Customer Insights, Customer experience strategy (CX), Customer Engagement, New Product Development, Innovation, Business Strategies, Customer Analysis, Market Intelligence, Business Strategy, Consumer Behaviour, Market Dynamics
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Business Process Modeling, AI Product Strategy, Business Process, Digital Transformation, Business Process Management, Business Process Improvement, Process Design, Business Process Automation, Google Gemini, AI Enablement, ChatGPT, Market Opportunities, Scalability, Product Management, Business Strategy, Innovation, Product Development, AI Personalization, Product Requirements, Product Knowledge
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Business Process Modeling, Responsible AI, AI Product Strategy, Business Process, Digital Transformation, Business Process Management, Google Gemini, Workflow Management, AI Enablement, ChatGPT, Market Opportunities, Scalability, Product Management, Generative AI, Sustainable Development, Social Impact, Sustainability Reporting, Prompt Engineering, AI Personalization, Automation
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Strategic Leadership, Visionary, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Leadership, Innovation, Business Transformation, Complex Problem Solving, Organizational Change, Team Motivation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Social Determinants Of Health, Community Health, Product Development, Health Systems, Business Modeling, Health Equity, Lean Six Sigma, Market Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Performance Improvement, Process Improvement, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Stakeholder Analysis, New Product Development, Innovation, Decision Making, Operations Management, Operations, Problem Solving, Leadership
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

The Pennsylvania State University
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Cultural Diversity, Open Mindset, Cognitive flexibility, Personal Development, Overcoming Obstacles, Tenacity, Collaboration, Experimentation
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Innovation is the development of new products, processes, or services that create value for a business or for its customers. In today’s fast-changing world that combines uncertainty, complexity, and unprecedented technological opportunities, the ability to innovate is a critically important ingredient that can make the difference between success or failure for a company.
Many of these opportunities are themselves created by the disruptive innovations of recent years. The advent of smartphones and social networks have created opportunities for countless new types of services, digital products, and business models. Similarly, the internet of things (IOT) has yielded vast new data streams for companies to harness for process improvements and other valuable innovations.
While it may seem like innovative companies or entrepreneurs are simply blessed with special creativity, turning a good idea into a profitable business requires more than just inspiration. Successful innovators actively cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that helps them approach problem solving challenges from fresh angles. And both startups and established companies that seek to capture the benefits of innovation must put in place product development processes and other systems to ensure the flexibility and adaptability required to take advantage of these new opportunities.
A variety of job roles exist in the field of innovation, including innovation manager, product development specialist, business analyst, and design thinker. These positions often require individuals to lead projects that introduce new products or improve existing services. Additionally, roles in research and development, marketing, and strategic planning also focus on innovation, making it a versatile career path.
To thrive in innovation, you should develop a mix of technical and soft skills. Key skills include creative thinking, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication. Familiarity with design thinking methodologies and agile project management can also be beneficial. Additionally, understanding market trends and consumer behavior will help you identify opportunities for innovation.
Some of the best online courses in innovation include the AI Innovation & Entrepreneurship Specialization and the Business Innovation and Digital Disruption Specialization. These programs provide comprehensive insights into the principles and practices of innovation, equipping you with the knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Yes. You can start learning innovation on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in innovation, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn innovation effectively, start by exploring foundational concepts through online courses. Engage in hands-on projects that allow you to apply what you've learned. Networking with professionals in the field and participating in workshops or seminars can also enhance your understanding and provide practical insights.
Innovation courses typically cover a range of topics, including design thinking, product development, market analysis, and strategic planning. You may also explore case studies of successful innovations, learn about the role of technology in innovation, and understand how to foster a culture of creativity within organizations.
For training and upskilling employees in innovation, consider programs like the Change Management & Innovation Leader Specialization and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialization. These courses are designed to equip teams with the skills needed to drive innovation and adapt to changing business landscapes.