Session one: 10th August to 23th August 2025
Business and Innovation in the Age of AI
Session one: 10th August to 23th August 2025
Business and Innovation in the Age of AI
This course explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping strategy and entrepreneurship, providing students with insights into adopting and leveraging AI to drive innovation and build competitive advantages in Businesses. We will discuss the resources and capabilities needed for AI adoption and development, and will examine what challenges are faced by firms seeking to leverage the potentialities of AI.
The course begins with an Introduction to AI and Strategic Innovation, highlighting how AI technologies are reshaping industries by enabling automation, predictive analytics, and personalized customer experiences. Next, we delve into AI-Driven Strategic Decision-Making, where students learn how AI supports data-driven strategies through tools like machine learning and advanced analytics, using real-world examples. The course then shifts to an analysis of AI as an Innovation Catalyst, exploring how entrepreneurs use AI to identify market gaps, create disruptive business models, and scale operations efficiently. A dedicated section on the Ethical use of AI will examine issues such as bias, privacy, and regulatory compliance, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI practices. The course concludes with an analysis of Emerging Trends in AI and AI-based Strategy, discussing generative AI, autonomous systems, and their implications for businesses. Students will gain actionable insights, a better understanding of ethical frameworks, and a visionary perspective on integrating AI into entrepreneurial and strategic practices.
Who should apply:
The course is open to students in any area of study, but is particularly relevant to students currently enrolled in a degree programme in the areas of Business & Management, Economics, Data Science, Computer Science, or Philosophy, and those interested in corporate ethics, and in the impact of innovative digital technologies on the corporate world.
For English requirement information, please see the Apply page.
Subject Tutors

Tutor: Dr Dize Dinckol
Dr. Dize was a Research Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (2022–2024), where she received the Saïd Research Excellence Award in December 2024. She holds a PhD from Warwick Business School, an MSc in Political Economy from King’s College London, and a BSc in Industrial Engineering from Bilkent University. Previously a Visiting Fellow at the Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard, her research focuses on strategy, entrepreneurship, and AI-driven business models in Open Banking, Fintech, and regulated industries. Dr Dinckol is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Birkbeck, University of London.
Programme Features
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FAQ
How can I book my place on the programme?
To book your place on the Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College, please complete our online application form. Once we have received your application, you will be sent an email to confirm your booking, with details about how to pay the course fees and the date this payment is due.
If you have any questions about the application form, then please contact us and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
What are the English Language requirements?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is a unique course. This is because it is run by Oxford University academics and is based on a truly stimulating academic programme. For students to be able to make the most of the course, they will be required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
If you have any questions or concerns about this English language requirement, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be able to advise you.
Can I organise my own accommodation?
Part of the experience is the opportunity to live, dine and study like an Oxford University student. This is why all students on the programme must stay onsite at Lincoln College.
Can I study more than one course?
There are 4 courses on offer for 2025, and students can choose one to study for the full two weeks.
Will I have to take exams?
There will be no official exams on this course. Students will be assessed based on essays, assignments and projects marked by the course tutor.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
Students will receive personalised feedback from their tutors both as verbal feedback during tutorial or seminar discussions and written feedback on any work they hand in. The nature of this feedback will depend on the course students are studying.
At the end of the programme, students will receive a certificate of attainment provided they have carried out the work to the best of their ability and actively participated in lessons and certifying the level they achieved.
Will I receive credit points?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is equivalent to 10 hours of credits in both the US and ECTS system. Your current university may choose to accept these credits towards your current degree. To be sure, please ask your university to get in touch with us and our Programme Director will be able to speak to the appropriate person at your university.
Will I be awarded with a certificate?
Yes, all students will receive either a certificate of attainment or a certificate of attendance at a specially organised graduation ceremony. This certificate will prove that you have carried out work of a challenging academic nature and may even be used towards credit at your current university (see above question on credits).
Will my tutor be able to provide me with a reference?
Students will have the opportunity to request references from their academic tutors on the programme. However, students should note that Academic References in the UK are extremely precise, and Referees are expected to comment on the length of time they have known a student for, on the precise nature and format of the teaching delivered, as well as on their academic performance in assessment and in class. Two weeks is a very short time to prove to your tutors that you are an excellent and high-achieving student, and even considering the intensive small-group format adopted by the Oxford Summer Academy Programme, it may be difficult for tutors to provide adequate and compelling reference unless you are truly determined to excel. If you anticipate that you will be requesting a Reference from your tutors, we recommend that you do your very best to demonstrate your engagement, commitment, and motivation to your tutors, preparing your work with care and contributing to in-class discussion regularly as well as investing significant amounts of energy in your personal project.
Please note that it is common practice in the UK for References to be provided by your course Tutor, rather than the Programme Director, although it is possible for us to produce a Reference that is jointly signed by the Tutor and the Oxford Summer Academy Programme.
Is it hard to get into Oxford Summer Courses?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is open to adults aged 18 and over, including international students. To ensure participants can fully engage with the course material, a minimum English language proficiency is required. Acceptable qualifications include:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 90
PTE (Pearson Test of English): 61
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176
LanguageCert International ESOL B2: High Pass
LanguageCert International ESOL C1: Pass
Duolingo English Test: 120
These requirements ensure that all participants can effectively engage with the academic content and discussions throughout the programme.