CivE 789E
Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Career Development in the AEC Industry
Description
This course explores the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and career development within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Designed for future leaders in AEC, the course provides a practical and strategic framework for developing innovation-driven solutions, advancing technological change, and excelling in entrepreneurial, intrapreneurial, academic, or industry leadership roles.Students will examine the dynamics of innovation in complex AEC environments, from identifying market opportunities to navigating technology adoption barriers. The course emphasizes real-world application, including business model development, commercialization pathways, and leadership strategies for driving change. It also integrates career development themes such as professional branding, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and managing innovation teams.
Through interactive lectures, case studies, and guest speakers, students will gain insights into the AEC innovation ecosystem. The course culminates in a capstone project where students pitch original solutions to real-world industry challenges, showcasing their ability to lead transformative initiatives in the built environment.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities within the AEC industry.- Understand the drivers behind innovation and differentiate between market pull and market push.
- Apply principles of business model development, technology assessment, and product lifecycle management to address AEC challenges.
- Understand the process of translating research innovations into viable commercial products, including technology readiness, market validation, and scaling strategies.
- Utilize frameworks to develop, evaluate, and implement innovation-driven solutions that address complex challenges in industries such as AEC.
- Analyze the potential of emerging technologies such as automation, digitalization, and AI in driving innovation in the built environment.
- Explore diverse AEC career pathways and develop essential skills in leadership, teamwork, networking, emotional intelligence, and strategic career planning.
| Lecture | Seminar | Lab | Credits | Total AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0/1 | 0/1 | 3 | 37.8 |
| M % | NS % | CS % | ES % | ED % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
None defined
None defined
Undergraduate Program(s)
Sections & Respective Instructors
| A2 - 2026/2027 - Fall - Ali Golabchi |
| A2 - 2025/2026 - Fall - Ali Golabchi |