This two-day workshop invites Stanford University's Eugene Shteyn to SMU for an exciting and creative program based on his Stanford Business Courses:

• Principles of Invention and Innovation (Business 74)
• Model-based Innovation (Business 75)
• The Patent Paradox (Business 111)
• The Greatest Innovations of Silicon Valley (Business 117)

Overview
Promising ideas deserve the best innovation development tools. This course provides the practical guide to systematic innovation techniques. This course will:

• Strengthen students’ ability to discover and take advantage of high-value innovation opportunities;
• Provide an open interactive environment for students to develop their ideas by applying modern innovation techniques, and receive feedback on the innovation potential of their solutions;
• Introduce students to Intellectual Property strategies designed to strengthen business models beyond basic solution protection.

The course is for inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovation management professionals who are involved in the creation and implementation of new ideas in high tech industries. It aims to broaden students’ arsenal of techniques and strategies for solving short and longterm
problems.

Organization
The course will be taught over three six-hour sessions presented on three consecutive days. The course will be split in two parts:

• During the first day, Eugene Shteyn will introduce concepts, describe key innovation methods using representative case studies, and guide students through brief interactive practice sessions. The students will have opportunities to share their understanding of the innovation process and how the methods presented in the class can be applied to real-life cases.
• The second half of the course will be dedicated to practical application of methods, case study development, and feedback on student progress. Participants will be split into smaller groups where they will discuss and prepare innovation opportunity outlines. The class will review proposals, provide feedback, and suggest improvements. We will finish the course with final presentations and an investment opportunity game.

Course Material Outline 

In the beginning, we will identify and dispel common misconceptions about innovation that prevent people from thinking “outside of the box.” Then, we will consider breakthrough technology and business patterns to see how they work in a variety of industries such as information technology, manufacturing and entertainment. We will describe common innovation mistakes and ways to avoid them in practical situations. We will introduce a systematic approach to invention and innovation, including specific case studies and associated Intellectual Property strategies. During all stages of the Workshop, the students will be given ample opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback on their ideas.