KU Leuven Executive programme 'Master in Technology for Decision Makers' (MTD)

Renewed version of the Master of Science in Industrial Management

Technology for Decision Makers helps strategic decision makers to better understand the drivers and consequences of technological evolution and to better understand the innovation ecosystem of which they are part. Innovation occurs in an ecosystem that hosts a variety of interacting actors, such as knowledge institutions, venture firms, established businesses, innovation brokers and government agencies. Better knowledge can facilitate public acceptance of key innovations—a key condition for the creation of new markets.

The programme is targeted at professionals with a high potential to be the leaders of the future in both business and public organisations.

Specifically, participants learn to

• translate societal challenges into business opportunities
• understand the key drivers and the state of the art of science and technology
• analyse the ecosystem in which innovation occurs
• explore future uncertainties affecting the ecosystem through scenarios
• design innovation strategies for better performance

Benefits for the participants

Participants can benefit from the programme

• by acquiring better knowledge of the fundamentals and cutting-edge developments of science and technology;
• by increasing capabilities related to risk management, decision making and strategy development;
• by networking with leading organizations from all fields in the private and public sector;
• by learning to develop successful innovation strategies that address societal challenges and organizational goals

To that end, the programme brings together internationally renowned specialists from eight science and technology domains (ICT & nano-electronics, health, food, energy,
buildings, transportation, materials and manufacturing) with specialists from social sciences and economics, and leaders from private and public organizations.

Practicalities

MTD is taught by internationally renowned academics, business executives and government officials. It consists of nine residential weeks of lectures, high-level guest seminars, discussion sessions, decision making games, workshops and site visits.

MTD runs from January 2013 to April 2014. Residential weeks are from Tuesday to Saturday and take place in Leuven, Belgium.

Residential weeks:
• 21 - 26 January 2013
• 5 - 9 March 2013
• 16 - 20 April 2013
• 21 - 25 May 2013
• 25 - 29 June 2013
• 10 - 14 September 2013
• 22 - 26 October 2013
• 3 - 7 December 2013
• 28 January 2014 - 1 February 2014

Admission

The programme is designed for high-level participants with work experience. Applicants should have an excellent professional history, with at least three years of relevant
experience. Screening and selection will be based primarily on CV, letter of motivation, and case study proposal. Applicants can be invited to an interview to assess what level of relevant experience they have.

• A background in science, engineering or technology is not required.
• The selection committee aims for an international mix of participants who have a complementary expertise and background.
• The language of instruction is English.

More information

For detailed descriptions of this programme’s courses, please consult http://set.kuleuven.be/mtd/ or www.kuleuven.be/ma/mtd.

Contact
Programme Director
Erik Mathijs
E-mail: erik.mathijs@ees.kuleuven.be

Coordination committee
Karen Maex - Vice Rector of the Science, Engineering, and Technology Group at KU Leuven
Koenraad Debackere - KU Leuven Managing Director and Executive Director of KU Leuven R&D
Ludo Melis - Vice Rector of Educational Policy at KU Leuven
Frank Baert - Managing Director of KaHo Sint-Lieven University College
Johan Van Helleputte - Director of Strategic Development at IMEC