Master - full-time

Strategic Innovation Management

Study Strategic Innovation Management in Groningen and discover how you can help businesses develop, organise, and protect innovations.

In a world driven by innovation, how can you foster an innovative organization? And how can your innovations be both profitable and sustainable in the long term?

In the Strategic Innovation Management profile, part of our MSc Business Administration, you will gain expertise in the strategic process of managing innovations. You will explore these four themes:

Develop innovation strategies : define a strategy to identify and use the most effective sources of innovation to stay ahead of the curve.
Organize company resources : internally re(organize) your company to encourage innovation.
Collaborate for success : enhance innovativeness and drive success through collaboration with external parties.
Innovate for profit: ensure that organizations capture value from innovative ideas, products, and business models.

The programme in Groningen is taught by a small group of top academic researchers , builds on leading academic research and has a very strong link with the business world. You will acquire all the essential tools to understand, evaluate, and engage with real-life scenarios .

Facts & Figures

Degree: MSc in Business Administration
Course type: Master
Duration: 12 months (60 EC)
Croho code: 60644
Language of instruction: English
Start: February, September
Faculty: Economics and Business

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Why study this programme in Groningen?

Join our active community of students and teachers from many countries and backgrounds – a unique feature of this programme.
Work in small groups on real-world projects to gain essential teamwork skills. The Master internship option is opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
With our combination of workshops, seminars, events with employers like Capgemini and Engie, you will be prepared to kickstart your career.
We prepare you to critically assess corporate sustainability initiatives and strategies. Specialise in Future Prosperity and Sustainability .
Interested in AI and digital solutions ? You have the option to delve into Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence .
The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Programme

You will learn that innovation is crucial for business competitiveness in a dynamic environment, and how to manage it strategically to maximize value. You'll also understand the importance of collaboration in innovation.
Throughout the year, you can choose from a wide variety of electives to tailor your learning. Check below the course catalogue. In the second semester, you will complete your Master's thesis on a relevant subject of your choosing and under the supervision of one of our lecturers.

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Organizing for Innovation (5 EC)
Strategy & Innovation Management (5 EC)
Elective(s) MSc BA SIM (15 EC) A few examples are: Business Research & Consulting; Sustainability: Strategies, Innovation & Change; Digital Transformation Strategy; Smart Industry Operations; Comparative Corporate Governance; Energy Transition & Innovation; Entrepreneurship Theory and Digital Innovation; Regulating Energy Markets; Business Ethics; Stress, Health and Sustainable Working Life. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.
Research & Skills (5 EC)
Capturing Value from Innovation (5 EC)
Cooperating for Innovation (5 EC)
Master's Thesis (20 EC)

Programme options
Future Prosperity and Sustainability (specialization) Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field. More information about this option
Leadership and Governance (specialization) The Leadership and Governance focus area provides you with a deep understanding of both macro-level governance frameworks and micro-level leadership processes. This dual approach enables you to understand the broader implications of governance and leadership, while also recognizing the conditions that shape behavior, decision-making and organizational dynamics. More information about this option
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (specialization) Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook. More information about this option
Energy Transition and Climate Change (specialization) Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector. More information about this option
Master Internship (specialization) Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study. You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester. More information about this option
Double Degree International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization) Are you interested in an international career in or involving China? Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture. More information about this option

Study abroad

Study abroad is optional

A study exchange semester is not included in the one-year programme. However, in the past, MSc BA SIM students have
1. taken (a part of their 15EC) electives abroad;
2. (collected data for or have) written their theses abroad;
3. completed internships abroad.

In these cases, however, the exchange was organized by the student and facilitated by the programme coordinator. You can contact the SIM coordinator should you have any questions about these options.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	Below you will see a table with 'transfer options'. Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university of a university of applied sciences). If your degree is not mentioned in the table below, you can still apply via a Pre-Master's programme. For information on application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Specific requirements

More information

previous education

Below you will see a table with 'transfer options'. Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university of a university of applied sciences). If your degree is not mentioned in the table below, you can still apply via a Pre-Master's programme. For information on application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

All Universities of applied sciences

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Maastricht University

University of Groningen

Wageningen University

VU University Amsterdam

Nyenrode New Business School

Utrecht University

University of Twente

Tilburg University

University of Amsterdam

Leiden University

Radboud University Nijmegen

Study programme	Organization	Transition
	All Universities of applied sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC More information: The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced the 30 EC and 45 EC Pre-Master's programmes. Depending on the HBO degree you will obtain, you will be able to follow the 30 EC or 45 EC variant. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Global Studies	Maastricht University	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC More information: You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.
International Business	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Business Engineering	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	Maastricht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Sociology	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.
International Business	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and Management	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Psychology (NL)	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.
Business Administration	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Governance	Wageningen University	No additional requirements
Management and Consumer Studies	Wageningen University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Nyenrode New Business School	No additional requirements
Accountancy	Nyenrode New Business School	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Business Economics	Utrecht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
International Business Administration	University of Twente	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
International Business Administration	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Economics	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation	Tilburg University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Fiscale Economie	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Administration	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Actuarial Science	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Data Science	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Public Administration Science	Leiden University	No additional requirements More information: For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.
Computer Science	Leiden University	No additional requirements More information: For profile Informatica & Economie.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Radboud University Nijmegen	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Radboud University Nijmegen	No additional requirements

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.
language test	IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).
other admission requirements	Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes.

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 2601	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 21400	full-time
EU/EEA	2026-2027	€ 2695	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2026-2027	€ 22200	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

After your studies

Job prospects

Strategic innovation management is becoming more and more important across industries internationally. This means that as a graduate, you can choose between many career paths. This programme is the ideal choice if you are interested in a career in strategic or innovation management, business development, or consultancy.

You may start your career with a national or international company, a non-profit organization, or a government institution. Our graduates work as:

Business development manager
Innovation manager or consultant
Strategic consultant
Management trainee
Innovation analyst
Sustainable innovation specialist
Digital transformation specialist

Some examples of companies where our alumni work after graduation are: Capgemini, KPMG, Engie, IBM, Porsche, ING Group, ABN AMRO, ASML, and Philips.

Research

In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society . Some key research questions you might explore as a student are:

How can companies collaborate effectively to drive innovation and stay ahead of the competition?
What role do external knowledge sources play in helping firms innovate and grow?
How can digital transformation be turned into real performance gains for organizations?
In what ways do sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and innovation reinforce one another?
How do company structures and leadership — from CEOs to top management teams, and boards — influence innovation strategies and outcomes?
How can innovation be harnessed to accelerate the energy transition?

You can find more information on the research institute related to the MSc programme: Innovation and Organization .

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Contact

Are you a current student? Contact the Student Support Desk (FEB)
Are you a prospective student? Fill in this contact form (FEB) (We will answer your question within 72 hours.)

The MSc SIM is an excellent choice that truly prepares you for a dynamic career (Teresa Eicke)

I chose the master programme Strategic Innovation Management (SIM) because I wanted to broaden my skills in the field of strategic management and because I was interested in learning more about innovation since it becomes more and more important in today’s business world due to the rapidly changing technologies. Also the opportunity of choosing a focus area sounded very appealing to me since I was also thinking about doing a master in the field of sustainability. The focus area portrays the perfect combination of both. Throughout my study so far, I enjoyed great support and guidance from the lecturer, and I especially appreciate the effort of the programme to combine the theoretical approach with practical real-life examples.

Me as an international student I enjoy studying with many international students together and I feel like it is a very open atmosphere where everyone is open to exchange knowledge and to help each other out. I always felt very welcome in the programme, and I am convinced that it brings me many benefits for my future career. Therefore, for anyone looking to become a strategic thinker with a strong innovation skill set, the MSc BA SIM is an excellent choice that truly prepares you for a dynamic career.

FEB alumnus Yun Chun Liu

Please to see this video

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.

The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.

https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Master Community - SIM

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.

https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees

Strategic Innovation Management

Why study this programme in Groningen?

Programme

Study abroad

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Transfer options

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Tuition fees

After your studies

Job prospects

Research

Contact

The MSc SIM is an excellent choice that truly prepares you for a dynamic career (Teresa Eicke)

Study associations

EBF

Master Community - SIM

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