TIK4021 ¨C Innovation and Global Challenges

Course content

Science and innovation are called upon to solve some of the most pressing problems of the world today, such as climate change, economic development and global health. But why does economic growth differ so much between countries and regions in the first place? Why do current climate change solutions to such a high degree emphasise development of new technologies? Can university-based research solve health problems in developing countries? If innovation is one of the big buzzwords of our time, why does it still seem to be so many barriers to it in organisations?

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The main goal of this course is to increase the students¡¯ knowledge of important concepts, issues, theories and dilemmas in innovation, building on introductory courses in innovation studies at the University of Oslo and beyond. Through examples related to climate change, digitalisation, economic growth and public sector innovation, the topic of innovation is tied to some of the most important issues of our time. At the end, the students should be able to participate in high-level discussions about contemporary innovation theories, policy and management. From the lecturer side, the goal is also to create a good learning environment with interesting tasks and discussions - and to have fun while doing so! The teaching is closely related to the ongoing research carried out by the TIK personnel and guest lecturers, both national and international. The course also contains seminars led by senior students where the master students are encouraged to digest the literature and concepts actively together in an informal setting.

The course is organised into five modules each lasting two to three weeks:

1. Responsible innovation and the impact agenda
2. Digitalisation and the platform economy
3. Sustainability transitions
4. Management of innovation
5. Innovation in action: Addressing real-life challenges.

In each module students are exposed to conceptual tools to understand the dynamics and governance of innovation at both organisational and systems levels. The concepts and frameworks introduced in the modules can also be used in their master thesis.

Students are expected to submit a number of mandatory assignments throughout the course and also to participate in discussions, group work and oral presentations. The assignments aim to allow students to apply the ideas and materials presented in lectures and to receive feedback from lecturers. Such exercises serve as an additional layer of learning that prepares students for the final exam.

Learning outcome

Through this course students will acquire sophisticated analytical skills and tools that improve their abilities to study innovation and to navigate in innovation processes. Students will be able to analyse, understand and explain some of the most important issues and driving forces in today¡¯s societies. The course will provide students with advanced knowledge on:

• Understanding and analysing pressing societal phenomena such as the green shift, digitisation and the platform economy
• The dynamics of modern knowledge-based economies
• Innovation management: How organisations can become more innovative
• How technology is developed and implemented in society
• Policymaking and governance of innovation
• The impact of science-based knowledge in society
• The phenomenon of innovation and how it is often integral to societal change
• The differences in growth and dynamics between sectors, countries, and regions
• The dynamics of socio-technical transitions
• The systemic and evolutionary underpinnings of innovation - including how innovation is often conditioned by place specific institutions, infrastructures, and practices,
• The role of public institutions and infrastructures, like universities, in innovation processes and systems

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

The course is applicable for master programme students from humanities/social sciences if they meet the prerequisites. Students from TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture have a priority, other students are admitted if there is capacity.

Please apply in Studentweb by: January 10th.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

• A Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities or equal.
• TIK4001 - Teknologi, innovasjon og kunnskap, or equivalent.

Teaching

• 80 % participation is expected

Examination

One week individual home-exam.?

Language of examination

The exam will be conducted in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.

See also our information about resitting an exam.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.