Entrepreneurship as a vehicle for innovation is one of the key paradigms of the new economy. Large corporations have adopted the mindset and business models of startups as tools for growth. Across major companies worldwide, corporate entrepreneurship programs and innovation mechanisms—such as incubators, accelerators, and even investment platforms like corporate venture capital—have become commonplace. At the same time, corporate social responsibility is shifting from welfare-based initiatives toward socially responsible investment (ESG).

Professionals enrolled in this program, sponsored by the Elecnor Foundation and jointly delivered by Deusto Business School and ICADE Business School, study the most cutting-edge entrepreneurial initiatives of major corporations, presented by the executives who led them. The 40-hour program runs from October to July and concludes with the presentation of a final project before a panel of experts from the University of Deusto and the Pontifical University of Comillas, chaired by a senior authority.

Throughout the course, participants are supported by a tutor and have access to a series of complementary workshops designed to help them shape their final project, developed in hybrid teams formed by students from the Public and Corporate Entrepreneurship Leadership Programs (PLPE–PLCE):

• Public Speaking Workshop
• Design Thinking Workshop
• Project Management Workshop

Closing Ceremony of the Innovation Leadership Programs at Deusto Business School and ICADE School

The former First Vice President of the Government of Spain and President of the Equality Commission of the Congress of Deputies, Carmen Calvo, presided over the closing ceremony for the 2021–2022 academic year, held on Wednesday, June 29, at the Madrid campus of Deusto Business School. On November 4, the Graduation Ceremony for the 2021/2022 cohorts of the Deusto Business School–Executive Education programs took place at the Paraninfo of the University of Deusto in Bilbao.

The Dean of the faculty, Álvaro de la Rica, emphasized the value of the collaboration with the Elecnor Foundation. The two Elecnor executives who completed the program in 2022 shared their reflections:

Luis Fernández Gorostiza – Director, Audeca
“What impressed me most about the corporate entrepreneurship leadership programs (in which I participated) was the way each module included examples of successful companies. Moreover, having students from different professional backgrounds provides a broad perspective and opens our minds when applying innovation. Finally, it has allowed us to connect with people who can offer contacts with startups that may be useful and applicable to our work.”

Manuel Vázquez – Production Director, Enerfín
“Innovation fosters growth and entrepreneurship within corporations, serving as a fundamental tool to accelerate processes. This program has enabled me to explore new avenues for the evolution, development, and transformation of our business to meet current and future challenges.”

Leadership Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (PLEI) 2022–2023
For the 2022–2023 academic year, the program evolved by merging the PLPE and PLCE programs. As a result, professionals from the public and private sectors share a single ecosystem, enabling closer and more meaningful exchanges of experience. On October 24, José Bayón, CEO of Enisa (National Innovation Company), took part in the inaugural session of the Leadership Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (PLEI) to explain several key concepts to participants, including the importance of entrepreneurship and open innovation.