Ecosystems for Innovation

The best professors combined with real executive challenges from Rotterdam’s most innovative businesses, in fully accredited Erasmus University summer schools. Together with Jungle Gym Learning, Deloitte and RHV (Erasmus School of Economics: Urban, Port and Transport Economics), you will conduct research on and develop strategies for powerfull ecosystems for innovation. Besides the academic and professional activities mentioned above, an extensive social program is included.

These are the days of start-ups, business accelerators and innovation hubs. And although the potential of public / private involvement in this is great, co-creating strategies is often difficult. The real ecosystems for innovation require a comprehensive approach, integrating urban development, regional strengths, venture capital, education and more. Rotterdam is slowly changing in to such an environment and overcoming the era of ‘too many dinner parties’.

With this perspective in mind it is no surprise that Cambridge Innovation Center opened its first venture outside of US in Rotterdam. As CIC Founder and CEO Tim Rowe said: “The Dutch have one of the most entrepreneurial cultures in Europe, and we believe there is incredible potential in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a future-oriented, design-centric city that is increasingly being recognized on the world stage. It benefits from some of the strongest universities in the region, is a major maritime and rail hub, and, most importantly, its people have a powerful work ethic similar to that in our home town of Boston. We think this is going to be a great partnership.”

Summer School “Ecosystems for Innovation” focuses on these new citywide ecosystems. In a two-day Executive Challenge powered by Deloitte participants will develop strategies that enable these comprehensive networks, with the power to really thrive on the dynamics of Rotterdam.

Course leader

Prof. dr. Frank van Oort & Jeroen van Haaren

Target group

The course is open to students with a completed Bachelor degree, Master students, PhD candidates and young professionals (0-5 years of working experience) with an interest in innovation, strategy, branding, regional economics and urban development.

Course aim

The course program is a combination of lectures, expert keynotes and group work, all related to an executive challenge facilitated by the case-partner. Please visit our website for more information