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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Business Administration Strategic Innovation Management
Header image Strategic Innovation Management

Strategic Innovation Management

Study strategic innovation management in Groningen and discover how you can help businesses develop and market innovations that are profitable and sustainable.

In a world where innovation drives positive change, how can you build an organization to be innovative? And in an increasingly globalized environment, how can your innovations combine profitability with sustainability?

In the Strategic Innovation Management profile, part of our MSc Business Administration (MSc BA SIM), you will gain expertise in the whole strategic process of managing innovations. The programme centers on four themes:

  • Discovering the best innovation sources;
  • Harnessing a company’s resources for effective innovation;
  • Exploring the impact of collaboration on companies’ innovativeness;
  • Moving from innovation to valorization.

These themes, combined with your research, Master’s thesis, and plenty of elective courses, will prepare you to manage a firm's innovation activities. You will be ready to help turn ideas into profitable new processes, products, and business models.

The programme in Groningen is designed and taught by a small group of top academic researchers and has a very strong link with the business world. You will get all the tools you need to understand, evaluate, and engage with real-life scenarios, and to conduct your own research – all in the context of strategic innovation. We base our insights on researched evidence from leading scholars worldwide, ensuring the highest standard of informed analysis.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Business Administration
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60644
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB accreditedSustainability in our education
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Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Grow professionally and personally as you interact with our active community of students and teachers from many countries and backgrounds – a unique feature of this programme. Experience a global perspective that is essential for today's business world.
  • Work closely in small groups with other students on projects concerning problems from practices, gaining team skills that matter in today's market. The Master internship option is very popular amongst our students, this is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience along your studies.
  • Learn from a highly qualified, published, award-winning, international group of lecturers.
  • Get ready for a fantastic career when you obtain your MSc BA SIM degree. Because of our combination of workshops, seminars, events with employers like Capgemini and Engie you will be prepared to kickstart your career.
  • Prepare yourself to critically assess corporate sustainability initiatives, analyze the need for sustainability strategies, manage change for sustainability, and support sustainability-focused innovation by taking the Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area.
  • Choose the course electives from the Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area to learn about artificial intelligence, and how to develop digital solutions or to design data-driven business processes.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

In the MSc BA SIM, you will develop a solid understanding of the theories and approaches that characterize the scientific and professional field of innovation, along with competence in critical academic thinking. This will make you highly employable as a graduate. You will learn that innovation is key to a business's ability to compete in a sophisticated, changing environment. You will know how to manage innovation strategically, and how to capture as much value as possible from it. You will understand why collaboration is vital to innovation. And to tailor the course exactly to your personal preferences and ambitions, you can choose from the many electives listed below.

In the second semester, you will complete your Master's thesis on a relevant subject of your choosing and under the supervision of one of our lecturers.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Organizing for Innovation (5 EC)
Strategy & Innovation Management (5 EC)
Elective(s) MSc BA SIM (15 EC)

A few examples are: Business Research & Consulting; Sustainability: Strategies, Innovation & Change; Digital Transformation Strategy; Smart Industry Operations; Comparative Corporate Governance; Energy Transition & Innovation; Entrepreneurship Theory and Digital Innovation; Regulating Energy Markets; Business Ethics; Stress, Health and Sustainable Working Life. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Research & Skills for MSc BA (5 EC)
Capturing Value from Innovation (5 EC)
Cooperating for Innovation (5 EC)
Master's Thesis BA SIM (20 EC)
Programme options
Double Degree International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization)

Are you interested in an international career in or involving China?

Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture.

More information about this option

Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field.

More information about this option

Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook.

More information about this option

Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

A study exchange semester is not included in the one-year programme. However, in the past, MSc BA SIM students have 1. taken (a part of their 15EC) electives abroad; 2. (collected data for or have) written their theses abroad; 3. completed internships abroad. In these cases, however, the exchange was organized by the student and facilitated by the programme coordinator. You can contact the SIM coordinator should you have any questions about these options.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced the 30 EC and 45 EC Pre-Master's programmes. Depending on the HBO degree you will obtain, you will be able to follow the 30 EC or 45 EC variant. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Psychology (NL)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Informatica & Economie.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Business EngineeringMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and GovernanceWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the  steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes.

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Strategic innovation management is becoming more and more important across industries internationally. This means that as a graduate, you can choose between many different career paths. This programme is the ideal choice if you are interested in a career in strategic or innovation management, business development, or consultancy.

Job prospects

You may start your career with a national or international company, a non-profit organization, or a government institution. Our graduates work as:

  • business developers and innovation managers, working with innovation within the firm;
  • strategic consultants, advising the firm on its innovation processes;
  • as bankers, evaluating firms and their innovations;
  • and as policy advisors, working on stimulating innovation at the regional, national, and international levels.

Some examples of companies where our alumni work after graduation are: Capgemini, KPMG, Engie, IBM, Porsche, ING Group, ABN Amro, ASML, and Philips.

Job examples

  • Business development manager
  • Innovation manager or consultant
  • Strategic consultant
  • Management trainee
  • Innovation analyst
  • Sustainable innovation specialist
  • Digital transformation specialist
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students, and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics such as digitalisation and how AI is shaping business and societies, leadership and governance, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change and how to tackle the shift to renewable energy. From day one of your degree, we are about making a real impact.

You can find more information on the research institute related to the MSc programme: Innovation and Organization

The MSc SIM is an excellent choice that truly prepares you for a dynamic career (Teresa Eicke)

I chose the master programme Strategic Innovation Management (SIM) because I wanted to broaden my skills in the field of strategic management and because I was interested in learning more about innovation since it becomes more and more important in today’s business world due to the rapidly changing technologies. Also the opportunity of choosing a focus area sounded very appealing to me since I was also thinking about doing a master in the field of sustainability. The focus area portrays the perfect combination of both. Throughout my study so far, I enjoyed great support and guidance from the lecturer, and I especially appreciate the effort of the programme to combine the theoretical approach with practical real-life examples.

Me as an international student I enjoy studying with many international students together and I feel like it is a very open atmosphere where everyone is open to exchange knowledge and to help each other out. I always felt very welcome in the programme, and I am convinced that it brings me many benefits for my future career. Therefore, f or anyone looking to become a strategic thinker with a strong innovation skill set, the MSc BA SIM is an excellent choice that truly prepares you for a dynamic career.
Read more
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Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Master Community - SIM

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees
Read more
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.