Program in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (PRIME)
Click here for our PRIME pdf brochure.
PRIME Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
From the earliest days of our nation, the growth of the U.S. economy has been inextricably tied to technological innovation. What have changed over time are the fields of innovation, the institutions carrying out the work, and the environment that provides the driving forces for change. What has remained constant is the key role of scientists and engineers in the process. The prominent role that scientists and engineers play in innovation has led to their involvement in a much more comprehensive range of issues associated with the development of new products and the growth of technology-based companies. While enormously empowering, these developments place a new set of demands on new graduates. They are expected to have a broader range of skills, a greater sense of teamwork, and an awareness of a wide variety of information.
The PRIME Masters degree focuses on developing science and engineering graduates’ skills so as to prepare them to more efficiently participate in a complex and highly competitive technology-driven economy, based on the development of innovative, embryonic ideas.
The underlying educational platform of the PRIME Engineering experience focuses on innovation and development of embryonic ideas grounded in sophisticated science and engineering concepts. The ability to think broadly and creatively from a base of strong fundamentals is an oft-stated goal. However, application to industry practice without substantive experience is difficult. The PRIME experience is unique in that allows its students to comprehensively address the realities of value creation while drawing upon the missing elements of praxis and business environment. It does so by taking embryonic ideas through the venture stage by having students work side-by-side with faculty and professionals from outside Brown.
The program curriculum can be accomplished in two semesters by completing the following courses.
Business Engineering Fundamentals I & II: Intellectual property, business law, marketing, finance, organizations, leadership, human capital, radical technological change, and ethics.
Innovation and Technology Management I & II: Engineering management, financial engineering, managerial statistics, R&D management, planning, forecasting, and operations research.
Emerging and Breakthrough Technologies: Survey of emerging technologies, including nano-, bio-, info-technologies, functional materials, energy and environment, photonics, etc.
Global Immersion Experience and Entrepreneurship Lab: Students travel to a foreign country for two weeks to meet innovation and technology specialists in a different culture.The course continues with guest lectures via video conferencing from China, India, Europe, etc.
Internship Research Experience: Students work with a faculty member on a embryonic idea to be developed into entrepreneurial venture in the subsequent semester.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Internship experience is translated into value and commercial and/or societal need.
The degree awarded is Master of Science in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship Engineering.
Does an applicant for the PRIME program need to have an Engineering background? Students admitted to the PRIME program need to have an undergraduate background in engineering or a science-related field. They will need to work in a technology area as part of this program.
Questions regarding application procedures, program fees and other administrative matters, please contact engingrad@brown.edu
