Consistent Development of the Training Program “Innovation Management”

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of how the Innovation Management undergraduate program at a Russian engineering university has been modernized for over twelve years. The program has developed from implementation of interdisciplinary training courses, to project training and practice of immersion into real businesses. The survey of fourth-year program graduates revealed barriers to opening startups. Based on the results of the survey, the curriculum was modified to reduce the identified barriers. Among the most effective methods of attracting young people to the field of entrepreneurship, the students indicated the following ones: organization of practical start-up training, organization of events for the exchange of experience, meetings with successful entrepreneurs, and organization of meetings with government representatives dedicated to entrepreneurship. In this paper, we share our experience in organization of a summer schools as one of the most effective methods of popularizing technological entrepreneurship turning the territory of the University campus into a platform for holding master classes and seminars during the event period. Every day young entrepreneurs come to share their experience of implementing their ideas and projects with the invited speakers who successfully work in real markets and increase motivation of school participants for start-ups.