Business innovation in a longevity society
Innovating in a world where everyone lives longer
Business Innovation in a Longevity Society explores one of the most significant societal shifts of our time: people are living longer than ever before.
As longevity reshapes how we live, work, learn, and connect, new challenges and opportunities emerge for businesses, governments, and communities alike. During this Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), you will examine the impact of longer lives from human, societal, and entrepreneurial perspectives. Working in interdisciplinary teams, you will investigate the implications of longevity for areas such as housing, healthcare, technology, work, and wellbeing.
Teaching and learning
This BIP combines interdisciplinary collaboration, creative research methods, and design thinking. You will work alongside students from different countries, disciplines, and educational backgrounds, allowing you to approach complex challenges from multiple perspectives.
Through teamwork, reflection, and experimentation, you will develop both your analytical and creative problem-solving skills while exploring the opportunities and challenges of a longevity society.
For whom?
There are no specific entry requirements. The programme is open to students from all academic disciplines and study fields at both bachelor's and master's level.
Programme overview
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Course content
Living longer is one of the most significant societal developments of our time. In this BIP, you will explore longevity from human, societal, and entrepreneurial perspectives. Together, we will examine how longer lives affect areas such as work, housing, healthcare, pensions, technology, and wellbeing.
You will investigate questions such as:
- What does a longevity society mean for future generations?
- How can societies adapt to demographic change?
- What innovative products, services, and system-level solutions are needed in a world where living to one hundred becomes increasingly common?
Documentary project
As part of the programme, you will work in an international team to create a documentary. Through storytelling and film-making, you will explore a self-chosen theme related to longevity, such as technology, justice, housing, purpose, wellbeing, or relationships.
The documentary will help you investigate your topic in depth and communicate your insights to a wider audience.
From research to innovation
The insights gained through your documentary project will form the basis for an innovation challenge. Using design thinking methods, you will translate your findings into a product, service, experience, or conceptual system change that addresses a real-world issue connected to longevity.
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Online start
Prior to the physical week, you will engage in a series of online group activities designed to prepare them for the programme. You will be introduced to the Longevity Scorecard, explore effective team and project collaboration, and gain insight into the academic learning outcomes. Additional coaching and support will be available on demand.
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Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, you will have:
- Developed a deeper understanding of longevity as a societal challenge
- Strengthened your intercultural collaboration skills
- Gained experience in applying creative and entrepreneurial approaches to complex future-oriented issues
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When
October 2026
Participants
Maximum 40
Credits
3 ECTS credits
Assessment
- Documentary
- Conceptual system change
Investment
- You are responsible for your own accommodation and meals
Contact
Brian Adelerhof
b.adelerhof@windesheim.nl(opens in new tab)
Collaboration
- SeAMK Seinajok
- TH Rosenheim
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi