Learning Objectives and Competencies

The module provides students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practice-oriented methods for developing sustainable business models, products, and innovations.
It emphasizes the ability to integrate economic, ecological, and social dimensions of business decision-making and to apply Design Thinking as a structured, user-centered, and creative approach to innovation.

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Understand and design sustainable value creation systems
• Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts such as sustainability management, the circular economy, and sustainable value creation, and apply them effectively at both business and product levels.
2. Apply Design Thinking strategically within innovation management
• Explain and use the phases of the Design Thinking process (Empathize – Define – Ideate – Prototype – Test) to design user-centered, feasible, and sustainable innovation processes.
3. Analyze and solve complex business problems in a systematic and interdisciplinary manner
• Identify, structure, and critically assess real-world challenges in business and product development, and formulate sustainable, evidence-based solutions.
4. Develop and validate sustainable product and business concepts
• Design innovative products and business models, conduct market potential analyses, and assess their ecological and economic impact.
5. Plan, implement, and evaluate innovation processes strategically
• Develop integrated innovation strategies, apply relevant measurement tools (e.g., Innovation Scorecards), and continuously improve existing business and innovation processes.
6. Act creatively, collaboratively, and responsibly in professional contexts
• Demonstrate awareness of sustainability, foster innovation culture, and engage effectively in interdisciplinary and cross-functional teams.

Module Contents

Strategic Foundations of Sustainable Business and Product Development

• Sustainability-oriented business model development
• Life Cycle Thinking and the Circular Economy
• Sustainable Value Proposition Design

Innovation Management and Design Thinking

• Principles and applications of Design Thinking and agile innovation methods
• Creativity and ideation techniques (e.g., brainstorming, 6-3-5 method, analogy techniques)
• Prototyping, testing, and iterative learning cycles
• Integrating user, stakeholder, and environmental perspectives into the innovation process

Sustainable Product Development Management (PDM)

• Methods and tools for sustainable product development
• Eco-design principles, material and energy efficiency
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainability performance indicators

Market and Implementation Strategies for Sustainable Innovations

• Marketing-driven innovation management
• Market analysis and feasibility studies
• Scaling and implementation of sustainable products and services

Applied Business Administration Methods

Analytical and Quantitative Methods

• Marketing Feasibility Studies
• Segment Potential (SPOT) and Segment Positioning (SPOS) Analysis
• Product Development Process Analysis
• Secondary data, regression, and cluster analyses
• Innovation Scorecards

Qualitative and Creative Methods

• Design Thinking workshops and innovation sprints
• Exploratory analyses, expert interviews, focus groups
• Morphological analysis, association techniques, attribute listing
• Creativity and ideation tools

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Interactive, seminar-based teaching
• Design Thinking projects conducted in interdisciplinary teams
• Analysis and discussion of real-world business and case studies
• Development of sustainable product and business concepts
• Presentations, peer feedback, and structured reflection sessions
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Literature (Selection / Subject to Update During the Course)

• Brown, T. (2019). Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation.
• Liedtka, J., Ogilvie, T. (2011). Designing for Growth: A Design Thinking Toolkit for Managers.
• Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y. (2020). The Invincible Company: Business Model Innovation.
• Bocken, N., Short, S., Rana, P., Evans, S. (2014). A Literature and Practice Review of Sustainable Business Model Innovation.
• Schaltegger, S., Hansen, E. G., Lüdeke-Freund, F. (2016). Business Models for Sustainability: Origins, Present Research, and Future Avenues.