Innovation in Context
How might we foster a vibrant culture of innovation that supports local and global communities?
Why Berlin?
The legacy of the Berlin Wall is not just about politics. The reunification of the city after the wall fell invited resourceful thinkers to reframe and rebuild Berlin to become what it is today – one of Europe’s prominent hubs for makers and innovators. As history continues to shape modern life in unexpected ways, Berlin offers us a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the intersection of design, technology, art, and urban renewal.
In Berlin we’ll explore how a diverse range of innovative projects and creative industries are shaping the future of the city, and the rest of the world. We will meet with entrepreneurs and community groups to get a firsthand look at the ways Berliners are achieving their collective initiatives, ranging from human rights activism to sustainability practices.
What can we learn from Berlin’s cooperative approach to innovation? How might we begin designing our own solutions to the complex problems facing our own communities?
Suggested Itinerary
This suggested itinerary can be adapted to meet your goals, dates, and needs. We have listed a proposed number of nights that could work for each destination (or we can leave some places out all together). If you would like to see a daily itinerary or start planning a custom program based on this sample, please get in touch.
Landscape of Innovation: 1-2 Nights
Berlin
Get familiar with Berlin’s public transit and stop at key sites such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall Memorial where we will discuss the history of the city. Scout the different neighborhoods, from the bustling Alexanderplatz to the historic Mitte. Adventure through the well-curated exhibits at the German Technology Museum and Science Center as well as the Museum of Communication.
Cool-hunting and Designing User-Centered Products: 2-3 Nights
Berlin
Learn about Berlin’s start-up culture from local entrepreneurs, and try your hand at spotting trends and designing products to accommodate new ways of living. Visit local sustainability-centered spaces to understand how Berliners are designing their lifestyles and living spaces in ways that are both environmentally conscious and community-oriented.
Creative Approaches to Products & Processes: 2-3 Nights
Berlin
Explore old and new spaces and see how they continue to be reimagined and reutilized; from our friends at Impact Hub and their partners maintaining a space for creation and experimentation, to places like Tempelhof, that has been transformed from a former airport and military space into a place of gathering and community building. We’ll experience how these public spaces are both the means and mediums of fresh ideas, and begin thinking about how to solve similar problems in our own communities
Want to Learn More?
Custom Programs and Modifications
We have designed this itinerary to maximize the value and breadth of our project and program. We can modify any program, or we can plan an entirely custom program. This itinerary could be adapted to focus on more specific learning outcomes, visit different regions, hit a different price point, combine with another program, or cover a longer or shorter schedule based on the group’s needs.
