Moonshot Innov: Strat Behind Leaps In Prog

STR7501: Moonshot Innovation: The Strategies Behind Giant Leaps in Progress

3 credits

This course will give Babson graduate students a deeper understanding of how a strategic approach to "moonshot" innovations can solve significant societal challenges. We will explore several historical examples, focusing on the original and emergent strategies and technologies, the characteristics of successful teams, and the role of strategic problem-solving. Today's world faces seemingly insurmountable challenges: rapid climate change, and income inequality at the top of a growing list. Businesses have been faulted for contributing to these challenges but are also considered essential partners in finding solutions. Understanding the strategies that organizations and individuals can apply in solving today's "moonshot" challenges requires us to deconstruct the strategic approaches of those who solved the seemingly insurmountable challenges of their day. This course will examine past moonshots to learn the strategies, innovations, and processes that enable teams to achieve what most thought impossible. We will also look at failed moonshot efforts and explore how businesses and entrepreneurs can avoid their fate as they apply their energy and efforts to address today's challenges.