Megatrends for Business Innovation
Megatrends, technological disruption, and geopolitical shifts are reshaping the context in which organisations operate. In such an environment, the future can no longer be approached as a simple extension of the past. This master course equips you with practical tools to understand how innovation emerges and evolves, and how to make informed decisions when data is limited and uncertainty is high. You will learn to apply foresight methods and scenario planning to explore alternative futures and translate them into actionable strategic choices.
Practical info
Course Date
Capacity
6 ECTS (156 academic hours, of which 32 in classroom and 124 individual work)
Lecturers
Language
English
Method
In class
Prerequisites
To ensure effective participation and meaningful peer learning, applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- For non-Estonian residents: EU citizenship or a valid temporary residence permit that allows study in Estonia.
Location
EBS University, A.Lauteri 3, Tallinn
Price
Building decision-making capability in uncertain business environments
The course develops your ability to view innovation as a systemic process shaped by the interaction of technological change, market dynamics, and institutional factors. Through hands-on tools such as scenario planning, trend analysis, and foresight methods, you will learn to connect long-term developments with real-world business decisions.
Throughout the programme, you will develop an analysis grounded in your own organisational context, ensuring immediate practical relevance. You will also gain the ability to distinguish strategically meaningful developments from short-lived trends, and to avoid decisions driven by hype rather than substance.
This enables more robust risk assessment and supports the development of sustainable, future-oriented strategies.
The course is delivered at Master’s level and requires analytical thinking and readiness to engage with complex strategic questions.
Who is Megatrends for Business Innovation intended for?
The course is designed for managers and professionals working in strategy, innovation, and business development roles who are involved in decision-making in complex and rapidly changing environments.
It is also suitable for experienced specialists who contribute to organisational decisions or influence development initiatives, and who want to apply foresight and scenario planning tools in shaping future-oriented choices.
Prerequisite: An interest in innovation, future trends, and strategic analysis.
Explore the course
The course is delivered in a blended format, combining in-person seminars with independent study. Sessions will run from late August to December 2026, taking place every other Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 17:15. The final schedule will be confirmed in May. The course integrates theory, practical workshops, discussions, and project-based learning. All sessions are held on campus, and lectures will also be available for later viewing.
Topics Covered
Why it matters
Provides a foundation for understanding how innovation emerges, what drives it, and how ideas translate into real business value. It establishes a coherent framework for connecting the different themes of the course.
What you will do
You will explore the nature of innovation and the principles of futures thinking. The focus is on how different types of innovation relate to organisational choices, market dynamics, and long-term development.
Why it matters
Supports better decision-making in situations where information is abundant but certainty is limited. Helps distinguish meaningful trends from noise and short-term fluctuations.
What you will do
Through hands-on workshops, you will apply foresight tools to map trends and identify weak signals. The session also explores the limitations of traditional forecasting and introduces alternative approaches for dealing with uncertainty.
Why it matters
Helps identify the underlying forces that shape future developments and trigger change. Strengthens systems thinking and the ability to understand cause-and-effect relationships.
What you will do
You will work on identifying and analysing key drivers within your own organisational or industry context. The session also addresses the role of institutions and policy environments in shaping innovation and influencing the direction of change.
Why it matters
Enables you to prepare for multiple possible futures instead of relying on a single forecast. Enhances strategic flexibility and improves risk awareness.
What you will do
You will develop and analyse scenarios through a structured, step-by-step process in a team setting. This includes identifying key drivers and critical uncertainties, applying frameworks such as the 2×2 matrix, and linking scenarios to strategic decision-making.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Valid temporary residence permit or EU citizenship.
Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrates an understanding of the multifaceted nature of innovation. (Knowledge)
2. Applies foresight tools to identify and differentiate between trends, risks, and uncertainties in innovation contexts. (Application)
3. Summarises and reflects on key uncertainties that influence innovation in social and collaborative contexts. (Social)
4. Develop skills for using foresight methods for addressing complex issues in an agile environment. (Individual)
5. Advocates for thoughtful and adaptive approaches to navigating uncertainty and complexity in future decision-making. (Transferable)Upon completion of this course the student:
Certificates awarded
Participants who complete the course will receive a continuing education certificate with ECTS credits.
Course completion requirements
To successfully complete the course and receive a certificate, participants must actively participate in sessions, complete independent assignments.
Assesment criteria
Assessment is based on a pre-course essay, a research paper on key innovation-related uncertainties, a team-based scenario project, and a post-course reflection. As part of the scenario project, participants analyse key drivers, develop alternative scenarios, and present the resulting strategic implications. Evaluation focuses on the quality of analysis, scenario development, clarity of argumentation, presentation skills, and teamwork.
Learning Enviroment
The course takes place at EBS’s modern campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3. Students have access to ergonomic classrooms, the EBS library, and the cloud-based Canvas learning platform. The study process is supported by online tools such as Zoom, MS Teams, or Canvas Conference. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. On-site attendance is required.
The University reserves the right to make adjustments to the programme in cooperation with the lead lecturer to ensure the best possible learning experience.
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