From Idea to Service Business

For those willing to put the necessary effort in to fill this gap, the opportunities are virtually endless, both from a commercial aspect and for mankind’s health. The From Science to Service course gives you the foundation you need within this field to change your life and hopefully the lives of others.

The focus in the Swedish innovation development has in recent years shifted from products and companies in technology/industry to a growing service-based sector. One problem within the life sciences is the lack of individuals with the ability to combine knowledge from health care sector with business and entrepreneurship. By increased awareness of service development in this sector, and knowledge regarding the process of innovation and entrepreneurship, a solid foundation can be built that enables commercialization of ideas. With insights, skills and the right tools, ideas are protected, which can lead to valuable changes in the life sciences and ultimately improve human health.

During the course, students meet experts with different backgrounds. Various entrepreneurs will present their specific experiences of starting and managing service companies in the life sciences and guest speakers provide a broad overview of academic discoveries, start-ups, venture capital and business development in health care sector.

Intended learning outcomes

The aim of this course is for the students to develop an understanding of and receive theoretical and practical knowledge of development and commercialization of services in the life sciences.

After the course the student should be able to:

• Analyze, clearly communicate and discuss entrepreneurship in the life sciences
• Understand and demonstrate knowledge of the service business and its unique characteristics
• Communicate an understanding of the development and management of service businesses
• Argue the pros and cons of public and private funding for start-ups
• Providing knowledge within strategy for service based companies
• Applying knowledge and key tools for entrepreneurship in the early phase, such as market analysis and analysis of intellectual property rights (eg patents)
• Use their new knowledge to individually get a deeper understanding in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Structure:

In order for you as a student to be able to take SSES courses they are all scheduled after your daily classes (or workday), with some margin time to ensure you can commute to campus, pick up a coffee and arrive on time.

This course runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays in two to three hour sessions for some seven weeks, but for a detailed timing check out the schedule in the box to the right. Teaching will incorporate lectures, debates, and exercises, as well as presentation from leaders in the field. 

Assessment

Projects including a written report, oral presentation and individual reflection as well as an individual case report and seminar. Active participation in the mandatory parts.

Students will be assessed based on the following scales:

• Lecture attendance, active participation and presentations.
• Completion of a group-wise case study and assignments
• Short exam
• Oral presentation

Compulsory attendance

Attendance is compulsory; attendance at seminars, workshops and presentations is mandatory.