Entrepreneurial Transformation in Corporations

This course aims to provide students an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical challenges of entrepreneurial transformation in corporations. During the course, the students will be introduced to several strategies that corporates can use to engage in entrepreneurial transformation. By means of assignments, the students will be challenged to apply this knowledge.

In-depth knowledge on core strategies (e.g. corporate venturing, alliances, acquisitions) that corporates can apply to realize entrepreneurial transformation

Ability to apply these insights in real life setting to address particular challenges

Module 1: Introduction(October 30, 2019) This module provides an introduction to why companies are forced to become more entrepreneurial than ever, and what prevents them from doing so. In this first session, the different assignments for this course (i.e. individual essay and group assignment) will also be introduced and described.Module 2: Mimicking startups: Stimulating intrapreneurship + Introduction to Group Assignment 1(November 6, 2019)In this module, we discuss potential structures (i.e. structural and contextual ambidexterity) that companies can use to successfully organize for entrepreneurial transformation.Reading material Birkinshaw, J., & Gibson, C. (2004). Building ambidexterity into an organization. MIT Sloan Management Review, 45(4), 47-55. O’Reilly, C.A. & Tushman, L.T. (2004) The ambidextrous organization. Harvard Business Review, April 2004.Module 3: Investing in startups: Corporate venturing + Guest lecture(November 13, 2019)In this module, we focus on how corporates can successfully invest in startups to stimulate entrepreneurial transformation.Reading material Lerner, J. 2013. Corporate Venturing. Harvard Business Review, 91(10): 86-94Module 4: Collaborating with startups: Alliances + Guest lecture(November 18, 2019)Alliances are primary vehicles for develop new capabilities, identifying new business opportunities and accessing new technologies. In this module, we examine how corporates can successfully engage in collaboration with startups.Reading material Faems, D.; Janssens, M.; Van Looy, B. (2010) Managing the competition cooperation dilemma in R&D alliances: A multiple case-study in the advanced materials industry. Creativity and Innovation Management, 19: 3-22.Module 5: Buying startups: Acquiring+ Introduction to Group Assignment 2 (November 27, 2019)In this module, we explore acquisitions of start-ups as growth instruments. Specific topics will include deal sourcing, target selection, deal structuring, valuation, implementation and post-acquisition integration.Reading material Kale, P., Singh, H., and Raman, A.P. 2009. Don’t Integrate Your Acquisitions, Partner with Them. Harvard Business Review, 87(12): 109-115.Module 6: Guest lecture + Introduction to individual assignment(December 4, 2019)

Lecture, Cases, Guest Speaker

Individual essay (40%), Group project (40%), Class participation (20%)

There are no prerequisites.

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