Course Description

Leadership surrounds us always and everywhere. Whether as a supervisor, team captain, student activist, or parent, we all need certain leadership skills to thrive in private and professional contexts. However, what makes a good leader has long been debated in research and practice. Leadership theories are constantly evolving, and modern concepts are manifold. At the same time, management scandals such as Wirecard, Dieselgate, and Twitter/X repeatedly bring leadership failures to light. This course introduces a basic understanding of what leadership actually is and how that understanding depends on time and context.

On this basis, we turn to entrepreneurial leadership; a concept that is increasingly relevant also outside of the startup world. Local and global economic, political, and ecological crises challenge traditional assumptions about leadership, entrepreneurship, and their role in society. Today’s leaders are expected not only to drive innovation but also to act responsibly and create sustainable value. We will examine how responsible leadership principles intersect with entrepreneurial thinking and why sustainability is becoming a core element of leadership practice.

The course introduces key frameworks such as the European Commission’s “EntreComp”, which defines entrepreneurship as a competence that creates social, cultural, or financial value for others, based on skills and attitudes that can be learned and applied by anyone. We will explore how these competencies can be applied to develop sustainable business models and address pressing global challenges. Students will also learn about the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in fostering responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship, including support actors such as incubators, accelerators, and investors such as angel investors. To this end, we invite and/or visit guests from local startups and impact communities.

Through participation in the course, students will gain a basic understanding of entrepreneurial leadership in its diversity with a focus on Berlin and Europe. Several guest lectures and excursions will provide practical insights into the local startup environment. Integrated work with historical and modern role models will help students adopt a critical perspective on responsible leadership. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to reflect on and develop their own (entrepreneurial) leadership skills. For this purpose, the course is designed to be highly interactive and relies on innovative teaching methods.

Download Syllabus (printable PDF incl. day-to-day schedule)

Recommended Course Combinations (Selection)

• Sustainable Business: Strategy and Innovation
• The European Union in the 21st Century: Internal and External Challenges
• Urban Economics: Key Drivers of City Development