Societal Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences

Course Objective

This course consists of both a theoretical and a practical component.

Both components run simultaneously so that the theoretical knowledge can be applied to the practical component. In the theoretical component, you learn about different aspects of societal entrepreneurship, both from a theoretical and from a practical perspective.

This knowledge can be applied in the practical component which revolves around a group assignment based on a real-life business case. Using the Business Model Canvas (Osterwalder & Pigneur, 2010) you will develop a business plan covering aspects such as value propositions, key activities, key partners, customer segments, cost structure, and revenue streams. In setting up this business plan, commercial, organisational and societal aspects of entrepreneurship play a key role.

Learning objectives

- Understand the relevance of entrepreneurship and innovation for science disciplines.

- Explain the importance of valorisation of findings from the health and life sciences and business ideas for a knowledge-based economy.

- Apply different (theoretical) models and strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship

- Outline the financial, social and ecological aspects (sustainable entrepreneurship) of value-adding opportunities.

- Recognize and design opportunities that create economic and social value

- Recognize and understand different entrepreneurial processes and configurations.

- Critically reflect on the topic of societal entrepreneurship within the health and life sciences

- Construct a business plan for a societally responsible, innovation-driven enterprise

Course Content

This course focuses on societal aspects of entrepreneurship. Although the shape and form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has changed over the years, it is broadly accepted that corporations need to act socially responsible. In the health and life sciences, Access to Medicine, sustainable innovation and precautionary principles are important concepts when it comes to CSR. During the course you will study the meaning of societal and responsible entrepreneurship in the context of health and life sciences.

In the course theoretical insights are combined with practical experiences. Both types of knowledge will culminate in the development

of a thorough and competitive business plan that conveys an understanding of societally relevant, financially viable and commercially interesting aspects.

Lecturers from Athena and experts from the field discuss various relevant topics, such as: in-depth insight into the elements of a

business plan, different business model configurations and the role of societal impact. The course is relevant for a wide range of business cases in the health and life sciences, ranging from NGO-like organizations to strong business-driven life sciences

enterprises.

You will work in small teams, each team working on their own case. You will be in charge of this assignment; showing leadership and taking responsibility for the academic quality of your final product.

Real-life business cases from the life sciences will be made available for students to work on. In addition, students that have truly

considered becoming entrepreneurs themselves are encouraged to formulate a health and life sciences related business case (as a group of 3 students) before registering for this course.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

Lectures and workshops are key elements of this course. Lectures provide key knowledge for the assignments. Additionally, each week students have compulsory workshops in which specific parts of the assignment are further developed. Schedule and study time: The total study time is 160 hours. The following hours are contact hours: - Lectures: 34 hours - Workshops: 15 hours - Exam: 3 hours - Practical assignment: 66 hours - Self-study for remaining 50 hours

Method of Assessment

- 50% group assignment

- 20% quality of peer feedback

- 30% individual assignment

Entry Requirements

Proven knowledge of business aspects in the Health and Life Sciences is required (e.g. by having passed the Business Management course).

Literature

Business Model Generation (Osteralder & Pigneur, 2010)

Additional literature will consist of management articles, scientific management literature and management tools.

Additional Information Target Audience

Optional course for Master students Management, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life sciences (MPA), M-differentiation of the Health, Life & Natural Sciences, Biology, Biomedical Sciences.

Additional Information

Active participation of individuals in work group meetings and group assignments is considered a prerequisite to pass the course.

Custom Course Registration

VU-net registration will close 4 weeks before the start of the course.

Groups for the assignment will be made via Canvas.