Innovation is about more than inventing something. It's about inventing something that when put to use, changes an industry, perhaps even society as a whole. In the 20th century, it was electricity, the automobile, air transportation, and water supplies, according to a senior Intel fellow's list on engineeringchallenges.org. Now, 100 years later, it's energy conservation, resource protection, food and water production, fellow Eugene S. Meieran writes in a second list on this same website.
In terms of higher education, innovation - and environmental concerns for that matter - extend beyond the traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subject areas of study. They're also becoming more common among business degree specialties. Students who think they might want to pursue a business degree in innovation, or even those seeking all-around skills helpful in STEM and other fields, might consider Introduction to Business courses.
Students might even find Introduction to Business Innovation courses available at some colleges and universities. In an Introduction to Business Innovation paper adapted from the book, "Extreme Competition: Innovation and the Great 21st Century Business Reformation," Peter Fingar includes six different types of innovation. His list includes operational innovation that can make a difference in how profitable a company is and "supply side" innovation that, in a global climate, means finding the resources that are most competitively priced.
"Introduction to Business 4e," author Jeff Madura addresses innovation as it relates to a company's organizational structure. Madura, in the textbook, describes the power distribution differences between a centralized organization and a decentralized business. While each has disadvantages, Madura admits, advantages in some instances can include the potential for improved morale, more creative managers and contributions to innovation.
In addition to the fact that America is comprised of diverse people, it has the advantage innovation-wise of boasting a good university system, according to what Sarah Nathan wrote in a blog for The Atlantic. Government officials and educators have been promoting innovation in the United States. Nathan's blog was about an innovation discussion that took place at the Washington, DC-based Newseum in September.
A recommendation from one individual had to do with foreign STEM studies students in America's colleges and universities and their visas, according to Nathan's blog in The Atlantic. The skills taught in business introductory courses might help these and other students once they enter the workforce. Many Intro to Business courses cover areas such as communication and leadership skills and more.
Innovation might also be addressed as part of certificate programs. A representative of Capgemini Consulting, which has locations throughout the world, has an innovation presentation online that has to do with the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Notre Dame on its website recommends that first-year students consider Intro to Business courses as a means of learning more about the institution's business college, as well as potentially declaring a business major.
Where many undergraduates particularly might consider intro courses, students at the graduate level particularly might expect opportunities to participate in degree programs that emphasize innovation. Post University in Waterbury, Ct., for example, offers an MBA in Corporate Innovation. Because the Post University program is an online degree program, students can participate from wherever they have access to one of the 21st century's biggest innovations: the Internet.
Students investigating the best business schools will find they offer most, if not all, of their courses in some type of online format. Scholarships and grants usually apply equally to brick-and-mortar and online institutions. What do you have to offer to the world of business innovation?
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