Prof. Dr. Silvia Straub of HNU and Prof. Dr. Clara Rispler of YVC made this unique learning experience possible. The goal of the program was to promote entrepreneurial thinking in the healthcare sector and to collaboratively develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges in patient care.
International teams are developing innovative healthcare solutions
As part of the course, participants worked in international groups to develop new business models for the healthcare sector. Through lectures, coaching sessions, group work, and hands-on exercises, they engaged intensively with topics such as entrepreneurship, market analysis, and the Business Model Canvas.
The close integration of theory and practice proved particularly valuable: healthcare professionals contributed specific challenges from their daily work to the project work. This enabled the students to work on real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.
Diversity of perspectives as a key to success
The international and interdisciplinary composition of the teams proved to be a particular strength of the program. While practitioners contributed their experience in patient care, the students complemented this with creative and entrepreneurial perspectives.
This collaboration gave rise to numerous promising ideas for innovative healthcare solutions. At the same time, the participants strengthened their skills in teamwork, intercultural communication, and entrepreneurial action.
Research on the impact of international online instruction
At the same time, the insights gained from the course are being incorporated into a joint research project between the two universities. HNU and YVC are currently conducting a qualitative, cross-national study. The study examines factors that promote and hinder international online collaboration, as well as their impact on students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy and innovative behavior.
The project is part of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) approach, which facilitates international learning experiences regardless of geographic boundaries and strengthens intercultural exchange in higher education.
