Overview This English-taught Master of Science prepares students to convert research results into market-ready products and services by combining management know-how with practical, international experience. You will learn tools and methods for operating in global innovation environments and apply them directly through industry-linked projects with partners across different countries. The programme emphasizes real-world problem solving and cross-border collaboration to build a deep understanding of international business contexts.
What you will study The curriculum delivers a practical, global perspective on Innovation Management through industry-focused modules. For example, in the Sustainable Innovation Management module the G-TIME cohort of 2023 collaborated with a fashion company from Porto and concluded their work during a summer school in Porto where they completed final work packages and presented outcomes. Course topics cover Technology Management, R&D, and product/service development, with particular attention to the interfaces between the disciplines that drive innovation. The programme also strengthens research skills targeted at activities on the periphery of the innovation process.
Structure and who it suits This full-time programme lasts 24 months (four semesters). All students spend the first year on a common curriculum at Hamburg University of Technology, then select one of the international partner institutions for the second year according to their specialization interests. It is well suited to students aiming for roles in multinational organisations, smaller enterprises and start-ups, or for those seeking to develop applied research capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key facts / requirements
This programme emphasizes learning the engineering mindset — “learning to think” — so you can follow and shape fast-moving technological change. Teaching combines rigorous theory with hands-on practice through internships, project work and the master’s thesis. From the start you are encouraged to think and decide independently, work in international, multidisciplinary teams, and take part in research and development activities early on, smoothing the transition from study to professional life.
The first year (semesters 1–2) builds a solid base in Technology and Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. Key modules include Global Innovation Management, Sustainable Innovation Management, and Digital Transformation of the Innovation Value Chain. Together these courses cover the full innovation cycle — from market research for (including radical) innovations and cross‑functional collaboration at the front end, to running innovation projects across geographical and divisional borders and preparing market introductions of new products and services. Complementary modules such as Responsible Leadership & Communication support your personal and intercultural development. In year two, semester 3 is taken at a partner university where coursework is chosen to deepen the first‑year topics according to each partner’s strengths; semester 4 is devoted to the master’s thesis at that same partner institution.
Learning outcomes (what you will be able to do)
Programme structure and requirements (summary)
This master’s programme expects applicants to come from a quantitative or business-related undergraduate background. Suitable prior degrees include engineering, science and technology, business engineering, business administration (explicitly including business informatics, business mathematics, and business geography), or economics. The admitting institution requires that the bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree was awarded by a recognised university.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record; “very good previous academic performance” is a stated requirement. International applicants whose degree titles or grading systems differ from the local system should ensure their qualifications are clearly documented and comparable to the listed fields.
Admission requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
1 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles that manage and commercialise innovation and technology, such as innovation manager, R&D/project manager, product or service development manager, technology transfer specialist, business development or strategy roles, and consultant positions focused on innovation. The programme’s mix of industry projects, interdisciplinary training and an emphasis on the interface between technical and business disciplines also supports entrepreneurship and founding or joining start-ups.
Employment settings include multinational corporations, medium and small enterprises, start-ups, research institutions and university technology transfer offices. The international partner network and project-based learning enhance graduates’ readiness for cross-border and global roles, and the integration into applied R&D projects facilitates a smooth transition into professional practice.
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Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
Harz University of Applied Sciences — Wernigerode