Study strategic innovation management in Groningen and discover how you can help businesses develop and market innovations that are profitable and sustainable.
In a world where innovation drives positive change, how can you build an organization to be innovative? And in an increasingly globalized environment, how can your innovations combine profitability with sustainability?
In the Strategic Innovation Management profile, part of our MSc Business Administration (MSc BA SIM), you will gain expertise in the whole strategic process of managing innovations. The programme centers on four themes:
These themes, combined with your research, Master’s thesis, and plenty of elective courses, will prepare you to manage a firm's innovation activities. You will be ready to help turn ideas into profitable new processes, products, and business models.
The programme in Groningen is designed and taught by a small group of top academic researchers and has a very strong link with the business world. You will get all the tools you need to understand, evaluate, and engage with real-life scenarios, and to conduct your own research – all in the context of strategic innovation. We base our insights on researched evidence from leading scholars worldwide, ensuring the highest standard of informed analysis.
In the MSc BA SIM, you will develop a solid understanding of the
theories and approaches that characterize the scientific and
professional field of innovation, along with competence in critical
academic thinking. This will make you highly employable as a
graduate. You will learn that innovation is key to a business's
ability to compete in a sophisticated, changing environment. You
will know how to manage innovation strategically, and how to
capture as much value as possible from it. You will understand why
collaboration is vital to innovation. And to tailor the course
exactly to your personal preferences and ambitions, you can choose
from the many electives listed below.
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 for MSc BA (5 EC) | ||||
| Capturing Value from Innovation (5 EC) | ||||
| Cooperating for Innovation (5 EC) | ||||
| Master's Thesis BA SIM (20 EC) | ||||
| Programme options |
|---|
| 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. |
| Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (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. |
| 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. |
| Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (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. |
| Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (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. |
| 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. |
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.
| 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 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 |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
| 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 |
| 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. |
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.
| 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 |
Strategic innovation management is becoming more and more important across industries internationally. This means that as a graduate, you can choose between many different 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:
Some examples of companies where our alumni work after graduation are: Capgemini, KPMG, Engie, IBM, Porsche, ING Group, ABN Amro, ASML, and Philips.
Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students, and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics such as digitalisation and how AI is shaping business and societies, leadership and governance, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change and how to tackle the shift to renewable energy. From day one of your degree, we are about making a real impact.
You can find more information on the research institute related to the MSc programme: Innovation and Organization
