The global energy transition is a monumental undertaking, and innovation is the engine driving it forward. This transformation requires more than just new technologies; it demands a fundamental shift in business models, strategic thinking, and policy frameworks. Companies, investors, and policymakers must understand how to identify, develop, and scale disruptive solutions that can accelerate decarbonization, enhance energy resilience, and create new economic value. Without a robust strategy for innovation, organizations risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. This course is designed to provide the strategic and practical tools needed to lead in this new era of energy.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the innovation strategies that are shaping the future of energy. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how to manage corporate innovation, navigate the venture capital landscape, and leverage emerging technologies. The course covers everything from building an internal innovation culture and scouting for startups to the critical role of data analytics and artificial intelligence in accelerating R&D. By focusing on real-world case studies of successful innovation strategies, attendees will be equipped to develop actionable plans, foster a culture of change, and position their organizations at the forefront of the global energy transition.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Corporate Strategic Planners
• Energy Business Leaders
• Venture Capital and Private Equity Investors
• Government and Public Sector Policymakers
• R&D and Innovation Professionals
• Technology Scouts and Analysts
• Project Managers in Energy
• Business Development Professionals
• Energy Consultants
• Entrepreneurs in Clean Energy

Objectives:

• Master the core principles of strategic innovation and its application in the energy sector.
• Learn about the key drivers and disruptive technologies of the energy transition.
• Understand the role of different innovation frameworks and corporate venture models.
• Grasp the complexities of financing and scaling clean energy technologies.
• Develop proficiency in identifying and assessing emerging technological trends.
• Explore best practices in managing a corporate innovation portfolio.
• Learn about robust approaches to leveraging data analytics for R&D.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and policy considerations for innovation.
• Develop skills in communicating a strategic vision to key stakeholders.
• Formulate strategies for building a resilient and sustainable power system.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Energy Transition in Context

• The drivers of change in the energy sector
• Key trends: decarbonization, decentralization, digitalization
• The role of innovation in accelerating the transition
• Understanding the innovation lifecycle in energy
• An overview of the global energy landscape

Module 2: Strategic Innovation Frameworks

• The difference between incremental and disruptive innovation
• Open innovation models and corporate venturing
• The concept of a "two-speed" organization
• Building an internal innovation funnel
• The role of a clear and focused research question

Module 3: Technology Scouting and Foresight

• Identifying emerging technologies and trends
• The process of technology scouting
• Using data to predict technology adoption
• The role of patents and research in foresight
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 4: Emerging Clean Energy Technologies

• Advanced solar PV technologies (e.g., perovskites)
• Next-generation energy storage (e.g., flow batteries)
• Green hydrogen production and its applications
• Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan

Module 5: The Digital Transformation

• The role of AI and machine learning in energy
• Digital twins for asset optimization
• Big data analytics and the smart grid
• Cybersecurity in the energy sector
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 6: Business Models and Value Creation

• Creating new business models for a decarbonized world
• The shift from products to services
• Circular economy and its role in energy
• The role of a "data story map"
• Case studies of innovative business models

Module 7: Corporate Venturing and Investment

• The purpose of corporate venture capital (CVC)
• Building a CVC strategy
• Strategic vs. financial investment
• The role of mergers and acquisitions in innovation
• The importance of a program's theory of change

Module 8: The Role of Venture Capital

• Understanding the venture capital ecosystem
• How VCs evaluate energy startups
• The role of venture capital in seeding and scaling innovation
• Case studies in successful venture-backed companies
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 9: Project Management for Innovation

• Agile and Lean methodologies in R&D
• Managing the innovation portfolio
• The concept of a "minimum viable product" (MVP)
• The importance of prototyping and testing
• The role of a clear and compelling KPI

Module 10: Intellectual Property and Partnerships

• The importance of intellectual property (IP)
• Managing IP in a corporate context
• Building strategic partnerships and alliances
• Collaboration with startups and universities
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 11: Policy, Regulation, and Innovation

• The role of government policy in fostering innovation
• Creating supportive regulatory environments
• The impact of subsidies and mandates
• The role of pilot projects and sandboxes
• The future of energy policy

Module 12: Finance and Economic Analysis

• The economics of innovation
• Funding strategies for different technology readiness levels
• The role of government grants and R&D tax credits
• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• Valuing new technologies and ventures

Module 13: Corporate Innovation Culture

• Fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking
• The role of leadership in driving innovation
• Employee engagement and internal idea programs
• Breaking down organizational silos
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 14: Case Studies in Strategy

• Case study: A traditional utility's innovation journey
• Case study: An oil major's pivot to renewables
• Case study: A startup that disrupted a market
• Lessons learned from successes and failures
• The future of energy innovation

Module 15: Strategic Foresight and Scenario Planning

• The process of scenario planning
• Developing future scenarios for the energy sector
• Using scenarios to test and refine strategies
• The role of a "data story map"
• The long-term vision for the energy transition

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.