Welcome to Program Innovation – a higher education experience designed to facilitate groups and institutions through the idea development process by systematically tackling a challenge relevant to you. Below, you will find sample examples of the step-by-step process, as well as a selection of the innovation skills we focus on learning and developing at universities. At the bottom of the page, you will find contact information and an opportunity to sign up for a full free module from the program you can begin using at your college or organization.

Why this innovation leadership development program?

• Experience – I’ve been developing leadership programs for 10+ years, helping organizations learn and practice innovation. I am also the author of “Root Down & Branch Out: Best Practices For Leadership Development Programs.”
• Action – Take action to produce tangible leadership results by taking on an actual innovation challenge within your group. Systematically develop ideas you need.
• Flexibility – Program Innovation is custom tailored to suit your needs. Since it is online video workshop based, students or staff can participate when and where they want and you can build live events and coaching into the program.
• Proven Success – Career-focused individuals will learn the same innovation processes I’ve taught and facilitated at Dartmouth, UW-Madison and other successful Fortune 500 organizations.
• Value – Generate and develop new ideas that can save money and resources through this value-focused program. See a return on investment via new programs, products, marketing and skills.

The step-by-step process:
This method, system, and stages with corresponding activities exemplifies what we’ll do and what you’ll learn.  Module 1 teaches the innovation process so that participants can successfully develop new ideas and work on a challenge important to them.  We identify areas for innovation, learn the process and system, and discuss how to best innovate within your organization.  Through the duration of the program, I show you a real project I’m working on (helping an institution learn and do innovation), results for each activity every step of the way, and the ideas I’m developing that you can use too. 

Innovation skills:
Research shows that innovation skills are among the most sought-after competencies in employees.  These skills related to creativity, communication, and problem solving are most needed by society. As a result of participating in this collaborative program with others, we help you zero in on cultivating those skills.

Included Modules:
Module 1: The Innovation Process
Module 2: Innovation Skills
Module 3: Your Innovation Challenge
Module 4: Innovation Questions for Idea Capture
Module 5: Structured Ideation
Module 6: Innovative Idea Generation
Module 7: Idea Analysis & Synthesis
Module 8: Concept Development
Module 9: Test and Select
Module 10: Communicate and Advance

Sign up here for complimentary access to the first module of the Innovation Program, additional resources and video clip of a live event in action.

Contact Darin@ProgramInnovation.com for more information about customizing and structuring your own program. We can share ideas for delivery options and live events to deepen the effect in helping people learn and do innovation for their challenge.