SME provides methods and tools to drive innovation via ICT-based services

In most developed countries, about two thirds of the economy already thrive on services. However, the journey into a truly service-led economy is just beginning: with the rapid strides in the development of information and communication technology, plenty of options are unfolding to co-create value with customers. Information-based services, individualized solutions and interactive cooperations will characterize tomorrow’s world – linking together agile, dynamic and global service networks of providers and customers. Capturing the emerging opportunities requires globally thinking visionaries, engineers, and managers that are able to combine profound competence in information technology with excellent know how in economics, management and law.

Therefore, the SME master program has been designed as an interdisciplinary program centred around ICT-based services. It draws on the long business engineering tradition in Karlsruhe and benefits from the experience of renowned KIT faculty. It will enable students to understand how significantly modern ICT will shape the future service economy. At the same time, it will empower students to exploit these technologies to develop competitive and innovative service offerings and to drive the service-oriented transformation of businesses and business networks.

The ever increasing share of the service sector, the strategic importance of ICT-based services for all types of businesses, and the tightened competition in the field, leads to a growing worldwide demand for highly qualified specialists in service management and engineering. With the completion of the program – having earned a M.Sc. of the globally well-known Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) –, participants are well positioned to fill this urgent demand for leadership positions in emerging and traditional industries applying ICT-based service concepts.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Oberweis
Program Director of Service Management & Engineering