This is the question Marko Rillo explores in his recent blog post “Designing TIMBA – How to Learn Digital Product Management”, in which he argues that training in digital product management shouldn’t be purely technical or business-focused, but needs a new, integrated approach to learning. TIMBA – Estonian Business School’s new MBA programme – has been created precisely to fill that gap.
Leadership Skills That Bridge Two Worlds
The goal of TIMBA (Technology and Innovation Management MBA) is to develop leaders who are fluent in both the language of business and the language of technology – and who can translate these into user-centred, functional products. As Rillo points out in his article, the digital sector in Estonia often faces a role paradox:
- Technical specialists may not fully understand business goals;
- Business leaders may lack knowledge of technological possibilities and limitations.
TIMBA aims to cultivate “bilingual” leaders who can strategically manage digital products across their entire life cycle.
What Does TIMBA Offer?
- The first year builds a strong business foundation: strategy, leadership culture, finance, marketing and project management.
- The second year focuses entirely on digital product management. Through four practical modules, students learn how to validate product ideas, prototype, design user experiences, manage development processes, and build product portfolio strategies.
- The programme follows a part-time, weekend format – with classes every other Friday and Saturday – ideal for working professionals and managers.
What Sets TIMBA Apart?
While several Estonian universities offer Master’s programmes combining business and technology (e.g. University of Tartu, TalTech, Tallinn University, Estonian Academy of Arts), TIMBA stands out through its sharp focus and distinctive methodology:
- It centres on strategic management of digital products, not traditional IT.
- TIMBA was designed from scratch – not adapted from old models, but developed as a fresh response to a fast-evolving field.
- The learning approach is highly practical, built around international competency models.
Who Is TIMBA For?
- Professionals with a background in technology, design or business.
- People aiming to grow into roles such as product manager, innovation lead or tech project manager.
- Those who want to learn how to create products with real meaning and impact – and do so both strategically and systematically.
Admission is Open!
Application deadline: 4 August 2025
Programme starts: September 2025
Explore the curriculum and apply: ebs.ee/en/timba
