Innovation is needed to create business value in line with a positive direction for society and the environment, and this brings opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to create innovative solutions and new sustainable business models.
Launching at the end of 2024, our next self-paced online course, Sustainability Innovation Strategy for Businesses and Entrepreneurs, has been developed by the team behind the CANOPY, CISL's international community of sustainability innovators and entrepreneurs. This collaboration means we can create a unique course which draws on our real-world experience from supporting both major businesses and entrepreneurs around the world to harness sustainability innovation and scale their innovations. The course will share these insights, along with frameworks to help you and your business integrate sustainability into your innovation strategy - and thrive in the transition.
Your learning journey will begin with building your understanding of the imperative for sustainability-led innovation, applying systems thinking tools to map complex problems and generate innovative solutions. Case studies and reflective questions will bring concepts to life, advancing your understanding. By the end of the course, you will have gained the mindset and tools to help you through the process, challenges and opportunities of building sustainability-focused ventures – from influencing decision makers and investors, to taking a systematic approach to design and implementation. You will leave with a personal action plan to drive sustainability innovation within your organisation.
Having this critical, in-demand skillset will support your growth and professional development, equipping you to become an effective leader of sustainability-led innovation and to drive positive change. Your business will gain competitive advantage through building an innovation pipeline informed by global trends and a positive direction for all stakeholders in society.
Who is this course for?
The knowledge and skills this course develops will benefit a wide range of entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers and businesses across industries, geographic regions and roles. It is ideal for:
- Intrapreneurs or entrepreneurs who may come from small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, scaleups, large corporations, the public sector, non-governmental organisations or investors.
- Individuals working in a variety of roles including chief innovation officer, chief sustainability officer, learning and development, research and development, supply chain, procurement and strategy.
- Individuals with up to 10 years of work experience with an interest in gaining a broad understanding of sustainability innovation strategy.
What you will learn
The course will progress your knowledge and skills through 5 modules:
Module 1: The case for sustainability innovation
You will gain an understanding of the key concepts and principles of sustainability innovation and its role in addressing global challenges and rewiring the economy.
Module 2: Applying systems thinking to enable innovation
You will analyse these challenges through a systems thinking lens, identifying leverage points for intervention and creation of innovative solutions.
Module 3: Sustainability innovation opportunities: trends, stakeholders and emerging technologies
You will identify opportunities for innovation that address sustainability challenges and create positive impact, analysing market trends, consumer needs, the role of stakeholders and the emerging technologies shaping the future of sustainability.
Module 4: Designing and implementing sustainability solutions
You will apply a systematic approach to designing and implementing sustainability solutions.
Module 5: Sustainability innovation impact: measurement, reporting and communication
You will discover the value of measuring sustainability performance and the role of communication and gain tools for impact assessment and reporting.
How you will learn
The course will comprise 6-8 hours of learning content, delivered by experts from industry and academia, through videos, case studies, notes and exercises. Knowledge checks and reflections will be used throughout the course.
You will be able to complete it in your own time and will achieve a digital badge from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership upon successful completion.
You will then have access for 12 months, to help you apply the learning seamlessly - when you need it most.
Introducing the course creators
The experience of the CANOPY team creating Sustainability Innovation Strategy for Businesses and Entrepreneurs has been acquired from a range of industries, harnessing CISL’s cross-sector expertise.
James Cole, Chief Innovation Officer, CISL
James has spent over 15 years working at the intersection of business, sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. As part of CISL’s senior leadership team he works across business policy and finance initiatives building the capacity of leaders, and leading institutions, to drive systemic change for global sustainability. In 2022 he launched The Canopy - CISL’s incubator, accelerator and workspace in central Cambridge, to activate an international community of impact-led startups, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators.
Sam Laakkonen, Senior Director Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship, CISL
Sam has been actively involved in the technology innovation ecosystem for over 20 years. He has been an early employee in unicorns like Spotify, privately invested in 25+ impact startups, had 3 exits from his own ventures, helped 250+ startups accelerate growth, and worked as a jury member for the European Commission to distribute EUR100M+ in EIC equity and grant funding. He has participated in building and running 30+ incubators and accelerators around the world, including 10+ Techstars programmes.
Jie Zhou, Head of International Engagement, CANOPY, CISL
A circular economy expert with a systems-thinking mindset, Jie Zhou brings 15+ years of experience driving sustainability across industries. Her interdisciplinary and international background, including three master's degrees, allows her to connect the dots between global challenges and empower organisations & startups to create a sustainable future.
Viola Jardon, Director of Innovation Programmes, CISL
Viola Jardon is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in tech and supporting sustainability-driven startups and innovators. She works closely with early-stage ventures, investors, and corporates to accelerate sustainability innovation and create impactful partnerships. Her extensive experience in fostering partnerships and scaling initiatives has made her a key figure in driving sustainability innovation forward.
Håkan Nordkvist, CEO Net Zero Company and Advisory Board Member, CANOPY, CISL
Håkan is a recognised expert in corporate innovation with a focus on sustainability, spending 11 years as head of sustainability innovation at IKEA. He has innovated new businesses for IKEA, founded innovation platforms and led startups in the sustainability space to create a more sustainable future.
The cost of this course will be £139 + VAT*, with discounts available for bulk purchase. If you would like us to let you know once we have launched the course, register your interest now and we’ll contact you when it’s open for booking!
*Education exceptions apply
