In todays globalised, competitive, and uncertain business environment, there is an increasing drive for entrepreneurs/intrapreneurs and owner managers to scale their enterprises while simultaneously fostering innovation. Scaling by its very nature introduces personal and business complexities, requiring strategic decisions on how best to achieve sustainable, scalable, and innovative business models. Small and medium enterprise scaling is often unpredictable, lacks order and is characterised by risk, high investment, and the need for agility. Entrepreneurs/Intrapreneurs must be proactive in leveraging opportunities and mitigating inhibitors, while also embedding innovation as a core capability to remain competitive and resilient. Innovation is not only the catalyst for growth but also a critical enabler for differentiation. adaptability, and long-term success in scaling ventures. The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the complexities of scaling and innovating within start-ups and SMEs.

The importance of scaling and innovation for start-ups and SME’s; Making the decision to transition from start up to scale up – personal and enterprise perspectives; Exploration of internal and external drivers of scaling and innovation; Complexities of scaling and innovating; Gaining insights into the stages of the scaling journey; Evaluation of the alternative routes for scaling; Internationalisation as a scaling strategy; Resourcing; implementing and evaluating scaling and innovation strategies; The importance of sustainability in developing innovative, scalable, and globally competitive enterprises.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Evaluate the role and importance of scaling and innovation from personal entrepreneurial and business perspectives. Assess the role of innovation as a driver of sustainable scaling and competitive advantage in scaling enterprises. Analyse the process involved in designing, resourcing, implementing and evaluating scaling and innovation strategies for entrepreneurial scaling. Evaluate the complexities, challenges, and opportunities of scaling enterprises and fostering innovation. Apply strategic frameworks for integrating innovation into scalable business models and international growth strategies

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Show a commitment to ethical, sustainable, and globally minded enterprise growth by engaging reflectively and responsibly with the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling and innovating within start‑ups and SMEs

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Module delivery will combine lectures with practical experiential learning approach. Lectures will be used to convey current research and theory to explain the frameworks of scaling and innovation. The experiential learning or “how-to" perspective will be delivered through illustrating many practical case studies, scenario development, guest speakers. Students in a team will be charged with the development of a Scaling and Innovation Strategy for an SME, enhancing their attributes of knowledge acquisition and application, collaborative skills, teamwork, problem solving and communication. Overall, delivery methods will foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to enhance ethical and responsible management skills developing the UL graduate attributes of “responsible”, “articulate”, “courageous”, and “curious”.