Economic development and sustainable innovation (BØK224)

We live in a time of major global challenges, such as an increasingly threatening climate crisis, an aging population and geopolitical tensions. The global megatrends require new thinking and restructuring. Innovation is a prerequisite for restructuring and economic growth. To succeed in a modern business world, students must be able to understand how the global megatrends affect the company and society, and how to work to meet the challenges through new thinking and innovation. In this course, students will gain insight into the ways in which innovation is an important strategic tool for sustainable development both for a company and society as a whole. The course provides insight into various forms of innovation, important drivers of innovation and how the environment shapes and influences innovation and change.


Course description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Course code

BØK224

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

This introductory course will first introduce meso-level foundational concepts and theories relating to economic development. Afterwards, it will delve into more advanced topics with a specific focus on sustainability in firms' business and innovation strategies. The main topics that form the basis of lectures, assignments and other content will include:

  • Innovation in modern economy
  • Technological progress and growth
  • Geography, networks and platform economy
  • Innovation systems
  • The role of the state
  • Theory of the environment
  • Path dependence
  • Sustainability as a chance or a threat
  • Responsible business and innovation

Please note that these topics may change from semester to semester.

Learning outcome

If the course is completed, the student will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student has

  • in-depth understanding of the importance of innovation for value creation and sustainable development
  • knowledge of central theories and concepts within the research literature on innovation
  • Insight to distinguish between different types and drivers of innovation.
  • knowledge of innovative companies, organizations and regions

Skills

The student will have skills in:

  • apply and critically reflect on theories and concepts to propose innovative solutions to current challenges
  • discuss different strategies to increase innovation and creativity in a company and society as a whole
  • reflect on innovation and change processes in accordance with ethical standards and principles

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written school-exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades None permitted

Coursework requirements

Quiz test, Group assignment
The Group assignment is delivering 4 out of 5 seminar assignments/reports in groups.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Huiwen Gong

Course teacher:

Huiwen Gong

Study Program Director:

Tarjei Mandt Larsen

Method of work

The instruction for this course will encompass lectures, seminars, self-study, and group work. Students are expected to attend weekly lessons and participate actively in the teaching programme. Expected total work effort in the course is 250-300 hours (according to ECTS standard).

Open for

Business Administration - Bachelor's Degree Programme
Exchange programmes at UIS Business School

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto