Module Ecosystems for Innovation
The last module will focus on how to leverage external collaborations to solve challenges that cannot be addressed internally.
Start date
- 22.06.2026
Training days
- 2 days
Location
- Antwerpen
Language
- English
Price
- Module: €2.250
the need for external collaboration
In today’s volatile business landscape, innovation has become too big for any single organization to handle alone. Companies are under pressure to surf major transitions such as digital transformation and sustainability. These ambitious challenges require looking beyond organizational boundaries and leveraging external collaborations to accelerate innovation and tackle complex issues more effectively.
Innovation strategies are significantly strengthened by the strategic use of networks. Yet many organizations hesitate, as collaborating with external partners often creates tension between internal and external priorities. Moreover, partnerships frequently fail due to a lack of shared vision and an insufficient internal innovation roadmap.
This module shows you how to strategically leverage external expertise and partnerships to achieve breakthroughs. You will learn how to scale innovation through strategic alliances, and how to use ecosystems and networks as a lever for disruptive ambitions.
common questions and challenges include
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how do I start building an innovation ecosystem
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which criteria should I use to select the right partners
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how do I minimize the risks associated with external collaborations
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how do I ensure partnerships create meaningful value for my organization
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing the “Ecosystems for Innovation” module, participants will be able to:
- Build innovation networks: Design and implement strategies to develop and manage effective innovation networks and ecosystems.
- Measure collaborative value: Develop and apply methods to identify, capture, and measure the value created through external collaborations.
- Optimize collaboration models: Evaluate and select appropriate collaboration models to achieve innovation objectives while minimizing potential risks.
- Navigate complex ecosystems: Understand and anticipate collective action challenges in complex ecosystems, such as building shared vision and trust.
Clean, clear, and very “I know what I’m doing” — just like the module itself.
the alignment with other modules and the masterclass
The Organizing for Innovation masterclass consists of five modules covering the essential building blocks: cultivating, strategizing, leading, structuring, and collaborating.
the role of module 5 in the overall journey
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Closing with external impact: Module 5 is the final module and concludes the masterclass with an outward-looking perspective, shifting the focus from internal organization to external impact.
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Built on internal innovation foundations: Organizations need their internal innovation capabilities in place (the focus of M1, M3, and M4) before they can effectively operate at a higher, ecosystem level. Module 5 builds on the strategic directions and ambitions (M2) and the leadership capabilities required (M3) to successfully lead collaborations.
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Level of complexity: This module operates at a higher level of abstraction and complexity, with a strong interorganizational focus. It emphasizes macro-level vision building and ecosystem mapping.
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Target audience complementarity: The module is particularly relevant for innovation managers and business leaders, but also valuable for internal partners such as project managers, purchasing, and legal teams, as they are part of the decision-making chain when establishing partnership agreements. Marketing professionals are also a key audience, especially in the context of go-to-market partnerships.
Research expert and leading faculty: Prof. Wouter Van Bockhaven, PhD
This module is led by Prof. Wouter Van Bockhaven, PhD, Professor of Strategy & Innovation Ecosystems.
expertise and experience
Wouter Van Bockhaven leads the Antwerp Management School expertise centre Smart Ecosystems & Networks. His research focuses on innovation ecosystems, performance measurement systems, and entrepreneurial decision-making strategies. He is also the founder of TalentLogiQs, a spin-off from the University of Antwerp.
role in the module
Wouter Van Bockhaven helps you scale innovation through strategic alliances, ecosystems, and moonshot initiatives. He translates complex ecosystem models into accessible frameworks that support you in identifying the right partners, creating shared value, and anchoring innovation purposefully within your broader strategy. His expertise will enable you to design, guide, and govern effective collaborations.
Curriculum
Day 1: innovation partnerships and entrepreneurial networks
fundamental partnership choices: Identifying the ideal partner, the characteristics of a strong partnership, and what to bring to the table
linear versus iterative approaches: Introduction of a partnership canvas (linear approach) and its confrontation with the iterative reality of collaboration.
effectuation principles: Mini-lecture on effectual networking, pre-commitment, and early partner engagement (even at the idea or exploration stage).
translating theory into practice: Reflection and feedback moments to translate the challenges into participants’ own professional context.
Day 2: complex ecosystems and moonshots
on-site case study: A highly applied approach built around a real-life case from Lantis.
collective action challenges: Zooming in on challenges related to collective action, such as establishing and governing a shared vision and building trust.
frameworks for complexity: Practical tools to navigate the challenges and risks of disruptive innovation in complex ecosystems.
case competition: Hands-on exercise and case competition based on the Lantis case, addressing societal challenges across sectors.
wrap-up: Key takeaways translated into concrete insights for your innovation plan and your organization.
Practical info
Course Dates
The complete innovation program consists of 5 modules, each spanning 2 course days (from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Module 1 - Cultivating for Innovation: March 2-3, 2026
- Module 2 - Strategizing for Innovation: March 30-31, 2026
- Module 3 - Leading for Innovation: May 7-8, 2026
- Module 4 - Structuring for Innovation: May 28-29, 2026
- Module 5 - Ecosystems for Innovation: June 22-23, 2026
Location
Campus Antwerp Management School
Boogkeers 5
BE-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Price and Financial Benefits
Registration Fee
The registration fee for this module is €1,750 (excluding VAT). If you choose to enroll in the full masterclass Organizing for Innovation (5 modules), the registration fee is €6,550 (excluding VAT).
Financial Benefits
- AMS alumni receive a 10% discount on the tuition fee, with a maximum amount of €2,500 (excl. VAT). [Click here for more info].
- SME e-wallet: Flemish SMEs receive 20% to 30% subsidies from the Flemish Government.
- A similar subsidy is available for SMEs based in Brussels.
- Participants from Belgian public and social profit organizations may be eligible for financial support.
For more information, please contact the Learning & Development Advisor.
Faculty
This master class is led by top-tier faculty, combining academic excellence with real-world innovation expertise.
Wouter Van Bockhaven
Professor strategy & innovation ecosystems, Competence Center Lead Smart Ecosystems, Innovation & Sustainability
Start the application procedure
Every year we only accept a select amount of candidates. We advise you to start the noncommittal application process as soon as possible.
