DBA IN
ENTREPRENEURIAL
DIPLOMACY
DBA IN
ENTREPRENEURIAL
DIPLOMACY
Program Overview
Award : Doctor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Diplomacy
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Entrepreneurial Diplomacy at Geneva Nations Institute is a pioneering doctoral program for leaders and innovators at the intersection of international relations, public policy, and entrepreneurial action. This two-year program is designed for professionals who seek to apply entrepreneurial mindsets and strategies to solve complex global challenges, foster international cooperation, and drive impactful initiatives in diplomatic, non-governmental, and public-private contexts. It emphasizes original research that bridges the gap between traditional diplomacy and innovative, agile approaches to global problem-solving.
Total Credit Hours: 120 ECTS
Program Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), fully online with optional live interactive sessions and workshops.
Mode of learning: Blended learning, combining self-paced study, live interactive sessions, and guided research
Program Goals
• To develop advanced research skills for analyzing and addressing complex global challenges through an entrepreneurial lens.
• To cultivate innovative and agile approaches to diplomatic engagement and international cooperation.
• To enable participants to contribute original knowledge to the emerging field of entrepreneurial diplomacy.
• To prepare leaders to initiate and manage high-impact projects in international organizations, NGOs, and cross-sector partnerships.
Course Objectives for the Degree
Upon successful completion of the DBA in Entrepreneurial Diplomacy, participants will be able to:
• Critically evaluate advanced theories of entrepreneurship, innovation, and diplomacy in a global context.
• Design and execute rigorous research projects to explore novel approaches to international problem-solving.
• Develop and implement entrepreneurial strategies for fostering cooperation, mobilizing resources, and achieving diplomatic outcomes.
• Analyze the dynamics of public-private partnerships and cross-sector collaboration in addressing global issues.
• Communicate complex research findings and strategic recommendations to diverse stakeholders in diplomatic and entrepreneurial spheres.
• Contribute original, practice-relevant knowledge to the body of literature in entrepreneurial diplomacy.
Semester 1: Advanced Research and Strategic Foundations (30 ECTS)
Module 1.1: Doctoral Research Methodologies (10 ECTS)
- Content: Philosophy of science; qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research designs; literature review techniques; ethical considerations in research.
- Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Critically assess various research paradigms and their applicability to business problems.
- Formulate well-defined research questions and objectives at a doctoral level.
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to identify research gaps and theoretical foundations.
- Apply ethical principles to all stages of the research process.
- Assessments: Assignment (Research Proposal Outline): 50%, Presentation (Literature Review Defense): 50%
Module 1.2: Advanced Business Analytics and Data Interpretation (10 ECTS)
- Content: Advanced statistical analysis; data visualization; introduction to big data and AI in business research; interpreting complex datasets.
- Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Utilize advanced analytical tools to process and interpret complex business data.
- Apply appropriate statistical methods for quantitative research designs.
- Critically evaluate the implications of data for strategic decision-making.
- Communicate data-driven insights effectively through visualization.
- Assessments: Assignment (Data Analysis Project): 60%, Presentation (Findings Interpretation): 40%
Module 1.3: Strategic Thinking for Executive Leaders (10 ECTS)
- Content: Advanced strategic frameworks; competitive advantage in dynamic markets; organizational agility; global strategic management.
- Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Critically analyze and apply advanced strategic models to complex organizational contexts.
- Formulate innovative strategies for achieving sustainable competitive advantage.
- Assess the impact of global trends and disruptive technologies on strategic planning.
- Develop a strategic mindset for leading organizations through uncertainty.
- Assessments: Assignment (Strategic Case Study Analysis): 50%, Presentation (Strategic Recommendation): 50%
Semester 2: Leadership, Innovation, and Governance (30 ECTS)
Module 2.1: Leadership in Complex Organizations (10 ECTS)
- Content: Theories of executive leadership; leading change and transformation; power and influence in organizations; building high-performing teams.
- Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate various leadership theories and their practical application in complex settings.
- Develop strategies for leading organizational change and fostering a culture of innovation.
- Analyze the dynamics of power and influence within executive leadership roles.
- Design interventions to enhance team performance and organizational effectiveness.
- Assessments: Assignment (Leadership Development Plan): 50%, Presentation (Leadership Case Study): 50%
Module 2.2: Innovation and Digital Transformation (10 ECTS)
- Content: Managing innovation processes; digital strategy and business model innovation; emerging technologies (AI, blockchain, IoT) and their strategic implications; fostering an innovative culture.
- Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Design and manage innovation processes within established organizations.
- Formulate digital transformation strategies that leverage emerging technologies.
- Assess the strategic implications of AI, blockchain, and IoT for various industries.
- Cultivate an organizational culture that supports continuous innovation.
- Assessments: Assignment (Digital Transformation Strategy Proposal): 60%, Presentation (Innovation Challenge Solution): 40%
Module 2.3: Global Business Ethics and Corporate Governance (10 ECTS)
- Content: Ethical decision-making frameworks in a global context; corporate social responsibility; stakeholder management; international governance structures and regulations.
- Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Apply ethical frameworks to complex global business dilemmas.
- Develop strategies for integrating corporate social responsibility into core business operations.
- Analyze the role of effective corporate governance in ensuring organizational integrity and sustainability.
- Navigate international regulatory landscapes and stakeholder expectations.
- Assessments: Assignment (Ethical Dilemma Analysis): 50%, Presentation (Governance Framework Proposal): 50%
Semester 3: Entrepreneurial Diplomacy Specialization (30 ECTS)
• Module 3.1: Innovation in Public Policy and Global Governance (10 ECTS)
o Content: Design thinking for policy innovation; agile governance models; leveraging technology for public good; case studies in innovative policy implementation in international contexts.
o Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
▪ Apply design thinking principles to develop innovative public policies and diplomatic initiatives.
▪ Evaluate agile governance models for responsiveness in global challenges.
▪ Propose technological solutions to enhance efficiency and impact in international affairs.
▪ Analyze successful cases of innovation in public policy and global governance.
o Assessments: Assignment (Policy Innovation Proposal): 50%, Presentation (Agile Governance Case Study): 50%
• Module 3.2: Resource Mobilization and Public-Private Partnerships in Diplomacy (10 ECTS)
o Content: Strategic philanthropy and impact investing; crowdfunding for international initiatives; designing and managing public-private partnerships (PPPs) for diplomatic outcomes; innovative financing for development.
o Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
▪ Develop strategies for mobilizing diverse resources for international projects.
▪ Design effective public-private partnership models for diplomatic and development goals.
▪ Analyze innovative financing mechanisms for global initiatives.
▪ Manage stakeholder relationships in complex multi-sector collaborations.
o Assessments: Assignment (PPP Project Proposal): 60%, Presentation (Resource Mobilization Strategy): 40%
• Module 3.3: Nation Branding, Soft Power, and Digital Diplomacy (10 ECTS)
o Content: Theories of nation branding and soft power; strategic communication in international relations; digital tools for diplomatic engagement; managing reputation and influence in the digital age.
o Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
▪ Formulate comprehensive nation branding and soft power strategies.
▪ Utilize digital platforms and tools for effective diplomatic communication.
▪ Manage national reputation and influence in the global digital landscape.
▪ Critically assess the impact of digital diplomacy on international relations.
o Assessments: Assignment (Digital Diplomacy Strategy): 50%, Presentation (Nation Branding Campaign Proposal): 50%
Semester 4: Doctoral Dissertation and Defense (30 ECTS)
• Module 4.1: Doctoral Dissertation (30 ECTS)
o Content: Independent, original research leading to a substantial dissertation that contributes to theory and/or practice in entrepreneurial diplomacy. Includes regular supervision meetings, research seminars, and preparation for defense.
o Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:
▪ Conduct an independent, rigorous research project culminating in a doctoral dissertation.
▪ Demonstrate mastery of advanced research methodologies relevant to their chosen topic.
▪ Contribute original and significant knowledge to the emerging field of entrepreneurial diplomacy.
▪ Defend their research findings and methodology effectively to an expert panel.
o Assessments: Dissertation Submission: 70%, Oral Defense (Viva Voce): 30%
Target Audience
• Experienced diplomats and foreign service officers seeking innovative approaches.
• Leaders of international NGOs and non-profit organizations.
• Senior public sector officials involved in international relations and development.
• Entrepreneurs and business leaders interested in cross-sector global initiatives.
• Academics and researchers exploring the nexus of business, innovation, and diplomacy.
Certification
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, participants will be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Entrepreneurial Diplomacy by the Geneva Nations Institute.