MOØ210 Innovation and strategy

Contents and structure

This course provides an introduction to the field of innovation theory and an understanding of different aspects of innovation. Innovation means something "new" and "useful", often unexpected exceedings of the frames we usually operate within - a transcendence. Innovations may involve change of a product, new features, functions, way of using, ways of working, business models or new patterns of thought. Innovations change us, but one can never fully anticipate or schedule how - if so, it would not have been an innovation. In the course we will look at what inhibit and promotes the innovation of products as well as processes and ways of working. We look at how to understand the innovation processes and thus try to pave the way for how useful ideas are discovered, conceptualized, developed, implemented and commercialized. We also look at the diffusion of innovations in markets and in wider society. And we look at how disruptive innovations grows and eventually could threaten existing technology - and drive companies bankrupt. Innovation versus productivity is a classic strategic dilemma discussed in relation to an uncertain future. The course will emphasize the interactive nature of innovation, i.e. innovation activities of firms rely on firm external factors such as collaborators, rivals, market conditions, and formal and informal institutions. The course also focuses on the evolutionary nature of innovation. Innovation is a cumulative phenomenon that builds on existing knowledge and practice, including past inventions and innovations.

The course connects innovation theory and strategic choice. Strategy deals with the uncertainty that always springs from how the future will develop. In addition to the ever ongoing shifts in business landscapes, technological changes including digitization, as well as social and political shift that likely will be consequence of acute climate changes, are all strategic dilemmas and represent challenges. Different strategic approaches are discussed and made relevant through practical examples. The professional arenas presented in this course ranges from entrepreneurial businesses to bigger and established businesses, as well as to include various public entities and offices. All have to cope with a future that offers both opportunities and tripwires.

Learning Outcome

On completion of the course the student:

• has advanced knowledge in the field of different perspectives on innovation theory.
• has insight into the products- and process-innovations.
• has an advanced understanding of the interactive dialogical nature of innovation.
• has an advanced knowledge about how different material and institutional surroundings makes room for different strategies.
• understands why knowledge about relations, social capital and networks is important for innovation.
• has thorough knowledge about how different characteristics of business landscapes guide innovations and strategic choices.

On completion of the course the student can:

• use theory and models about innovation when participating in innovation processes.
• conduct a research project in accordance with the norms and guidelines for research ethics. In accordance use theories and methods from innovation theory in her master-thesis.
• manage innovation processes within both entrepreneurial- and established businesses as well as in public offices/organizations.

On completion of the course the student:

• can translate findings from innovation theory and strategical theory into practical knowledge.
• can communicate extensive important findings from strategy and innovation theory.
• has a critical attitude towards models and theories.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements for the master programme. 

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Teaching methods

The course is organized in the form of lectures reviewing and discussing the literature. There will also be working seminars, where students are expected to present selected articles. In these seminars we will also discuss how to write an essay.

Compulsory learning activities

None. 

Assessment

Exam in two parts:

1. Individual written exam, 4 hours (40% of the final assessment). The examination may be digital.
2. Written assignments in groups (60% of the final assessment).

Students will form small groups with three members to write three (3) papers on different topics within the subject. Each paper should be 3-4 pages (60% of the final assessment). A list of selectable current themes will be presented at the start of the course. 

The examination paper and the written assignments may be submitted in Norwegian or English. Both will be graded according to the scale A-F where F means non-passing. Mandatory assignments and written examination must both get a passing grade in order to get a final grade for the course.

Examination support material

None

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