In an era of relentless disruption, innovation is the engine of growth, but without a robust governance framework, it can also expose an organization to significant risk. This training course is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the strategic mindset and practical tools to build and sustain a governance structure that champions innovation while effectively managing its associated risks. We will move beyond a focus on compliance to a hands-on approach, exploring how to embed risk management into the innovation lifecycle, align it with corporate strategy, and foster a culture of responsible experimentation. This program is an essential resource for professionals who are committed to pioneering the future of their industry while safeguarding their institution's integrity.

This intensive five-day program moves beyond theoretical concepts to a practical, hands-on approach, providing participants with a deep understanding of how to translate governance principles into tangible behaviors and outcomes. You will learn to identify and assess innovation-specific risks, develop a clear oversight model, and lead a team that is both creative and accountable. Through a combination of interactive case studies, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises, attendees will develop the confidence and expertise to lead with authority and purpose. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to act as a steward of innovation, building a dynamic organization that can outmaneuver the competition and shape its own destiny.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• CEOs and executive directors
• Chief Innovation Officers
• Heads of Research and Development
• Risk managers and compliance officers
• Strategic planners and policy advisors
• High-potential future leaders
• Legal and governance professionals
• Board members and corporate secretaries
• Management consultants
• Directors of information technology

Objectives:

• Grasp the core principles of innovation governance and risk management
• Formulate a framework for building a robust innovation oversight model
• Analyze and interpret the risks associated with innovation activities
• Develop a strategy for integrating risk management into the innovation lifecycle
• Lead a team through the process of responsible experimentation
• Assess and mitigate the financial, reputational, and operational risks of innovation
• Interpret key performance indicators to measure both innovation and risk
• Apply lessons from global case studies to inform your governance strategy
• Build a personal action plan for enhancing your innovation leadership skills

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Foundations of Innovation Governance

• The distinction between innovation and invention
• The role of a leader in setting the governance tone
• The importance of a clear and compelling innovation vision
• Understanding the link between governance, innovation, and risk
• The impact of a blame-free culture on creativity

Module 2: Strategic Analysis of Innovation Risk

• The methodology of a comprehensive risk audit
• Identifying the key drivers and barriers to innovation
• The importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce
• Understanding the role of a leader in modeling cultural values
• The challenges of challenging existing assumptions

Module 3: Fostering a Risk-Aware Culture

• The principles of psychological safety
• The role of a leader in creating a safe environment for experimentation
• The importance of encouraging dissent and constructive debate
• Strategies for managing conflict with emotional intelligence
• The impact of a speak-up culture on employee engagement

Module 4: Empowering Teams for Responsible Innovation

• The principles of a high-performing innovation team
• The role of a leader in building and empowering these teams
• The importance of a test-and-learn approach
• The art of delegation and autonomy
• Managing a diverse and multi-disciplinary team

Module 5: The Role of Structure and Process

• The impact of organizational structure on innovation
• The role of a leader in designing agile and flexible processes
• The importance of a clear and consistent communication style
• The challenges of bureaucratic roadblocks
• The strategic use of cross-functional teams

Module 6: Leading through Change

• The psychology of change and resistance
• Developing a structured change management plan
• Communicating effectively during times of transition
• Managing a team through uncertainty and disruption
• The role of a leader in sustaining momentum

Module 7: Innovation Metrics and Rewards

• The principles of measuring innovation success
• Using key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress
• The role of a dashboard for innovation oversight
• The importance of a reward and recognition system
• The link between cultural values and compensation

Module 8: Case Studies in Innovation Governance

• Analyzing a company that successfully transformed its culture
• Examining a company that failed to create an innovative culture
• The role of a leader in a technology disruption
• The impact of a new culture on a company's valuation
• A deep dive into a real-world case study

Module 9: The Leader's Role as a Cultural Architect

• The importance of a leader as a strategic visionary
• The role of a leader in communicating and inspiring
• The need for continuous learning and adaptation
• Building a strong innovation team
• A strategic roadmap for your leadership journey

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.