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Learn skills for innovation with online courses and programs

Creative thinking drives innovation, which can lead to new and improved processes, products, and other important advancements. Gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and learn how to approach complex challenges with courses from edX.

What is innovation?

Innovation is a form of creative problem solving that aims to improve existing products or processes, or create entirely new solutions. It usually starts with identifying a challenge, followed by research and development, and can lead to exciting developments.

The need for innovative thinking exists in every industry. As society progresses, the approaches, tools, processes, and products we rely on must adapt with us. Innovators may dream up new technological solutions, business models, strategies, product designs, or even ways to think about culture.

Beyond the ability to recognize an opportunity, innovation requires a unique blend of skills in order to effect long-lasting change. If you’re eager to apply your ideas toward innovative new ideas, edX courses can help you tap into the right mindset and achieve success.

Innovation | Introduction Image Description

Innovation course curriculum

No matter your industry or professional goals, learning about innovation can help you uncover opportunities for enhancement. Just getting started? An introductory course can provide a strong foundation in innovative thinking, including topics such as:

  • Building innovation as a capability

  • Using design techniques to develop relevant business ideas

  • Using financial decision-making techniques to improve innovation outcomes

  • Planning and problem solving

  • Overcoming barriers to innovation

Your current work experience, as well as where you see yourself in the future, can help to develop your educational path. You might explore courses that explore sustainability in innovation, the impact of technology, the financial aspects of implementing innovations, or supply chain management. With edX, you can learn critical skills to act and think like an innovator in any field.

Learning about how to harness your innovative abilities can supplement your skills and make you a vital asset within your organization. edX offers a variety of educational opportunities for learners interested in studying these topics, as well as a host of other disciplines. A boot camp can provide flexible hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the right learning path for you.

Explore jobs related to innovation

The skills needed for innovation can be applied toward many different career paths. Some of the roles driven by innovative thinking include:

  • Research and development specialist: improves existing products, services, or processes, or creates new ones.Footnote 1

  • Entrepreneur: turns a vision into reality through the creation of innovative products, services, or business models.Footnote 2

  • User experience (UX) designer: creates intuitive and user-friendly experiences for products or services.Footnote 3

  • Product manager: identifies market opportunities, gathers user feedback, and drives product innovation.Footnote 4

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, you may be able to build relevant skills in a UX/UI boot camp. However, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in engineering depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.

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