Master innovation through real-world application
Innovation in Action
Master innovation through real-world application
Innovation starts with ideas, but the real challenge is turning those ideas into something that works, scales, and lasts. That takes more than inspiration. It takes leadership, experimentation, and the ability to drive change in complex environments.
Innovation in Action is a hands-on program designed to help leaders move from inspiration to execution. You won’t just explore innovation concepts, you’ll put them into action. Through immersive exercises and collaborative work, you’ll apply design thinking and key innovation frameworks to transform ideas into impact.
You’ll dive into a shared, real-world innovation challenge, applying entrepreneurial thinking and testing new approaches in an action-oriented environment. Along the way, you’ll gain fresh perspectives from inspirational industry keynote speakers and learn how innovation happens across different sectors.
Just as importantly, you’ll reflect on your own leadership style and effectiveness – strengthening your ability to mobilize others and sustain momentum for change.
By the end, you’ll walk away with a tailored plan to bring innovation to life in your own organization. It’s not just about thinking differently. It’s about doing differently – and making it stick.
Experience IMD for yourself
Join a complementary masterclass of information session and dive into topics such as leadership, AI, strategy, and more. You’ll discover more about how we teach and explore our executive programs along the way. See all upcoming IMD events.
3 sessions of 4 hours – live virtual
- Session 1: 25 August 2026
- Kick-off: meet your peers
- Session 2: 1 September 2026
- Think like a designer
- Session 3: 8 September 2026
- Understand what customers want
5 days in the Lausanne area
14-18 September 2026
Session topics include:
- Ambidextrous leaders
- Build your innovation team
- Leveraging the power of tech
- Radical collaboration
- Create value propositions that customers want
- Use AI as your innovation co-pilot
- Master the art of storytelling
- The innovator’s inner journey
Featuring:
- A two-day startup incubator workshop
- IOC & UEFA headquarters visits
- 2 networking dinners
Senior Strategy & Operations Salesforce, Switzerland
Innovation in Action was an inspiring program where I experienced a dynamic interplay between sophisticated theoretical principles and their direct application in real-world scenarios. The highlight? Connecting with incredible people driven to shape the future!
Head of Education, Federatia Romana de Fotbal, Romania
I totally recommend this course to anyone who leads a team, not only sport professionals. The diversity of the group and activities bring the athletic mindset together with managerial style. The power of the group is a main takeaway as well as the ability to use the innovation frameworks. Also, being creative and working in a group helped me better understand the value each person brings in forming a great and complex project.
Global Head Retail Innovation and Experience, LEGO Group, Denmark
I came out from Innovation in Action refreshed with new energy and now see innovation from different angles, in ways I have not done before.
Senior Sector Specialist: Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Transport and Logistics, Absa Group
Innovation in Action challenges you to play a role as a leader amongst leaders and ultimately makes you question how you can use innovation in the space you are in to make a meaningful impact on business and on society.
“Many organizations tell us they want to be fast, agile, and re-invent the value they can bring to business and society, but game-changing offerings are hard to come by. Most executives struggle to define what it means to be truly innovative. And they want tools that will help them keep up with the rapid pace of change occurring in their business environments.”
Cyril Bouquet is Professor of Strategy and Innovation. An award-winning researcher and teacher, he specializes in helping organizations and executives tackle complex challenges through innovation and creativity and supporting them with their transition journeys as they seek to create change and deliver progress for society.
Projects he has recently taken on include helping Nestlé to achieve its carbon neutrality objectives, working with O-I Glass to define the company’s ambition and advance its…
Cyril Bouquet is Professor of Strategy and Innovation. An award-winning researcher and teacher, he specializes in helping organizations and executives tackle complex challenges through innovation and creativity and supporting them with their transition journeys as they seek to create change and…
Cyril Bouquet is Professor of Strategy and Innovation. An award-winning researcher and teacher, he specializes in helping organizations and executives tackle complex challenges through innovation and creativity and supporting them with their…
Length: 3 live virtual sessions + 1 week face-to-face
