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 transcending our habitual frames of reference. 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 those changes: dealing with future uncertainty is a key characteristic of understanding innovation.

This course considered what inhibit and promotes innovation of products, processes, techniques and services. 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 consider the diffusion of innovations in markets and in 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: 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. Students are familiarised with the challenges of dealing with uncertainties, dilemmas and limited knowledge in innovation contexts through the use of learning-by doing in team groups.  The professional arenas presented in this course for classical and situational learning ranges from entrepreneurial businesses to bigger and established businesses, as well as to include various public entities and offices. This ensures that students are equipped to understand and shape innovation in contexts that offer both opportunities and tripwires.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

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.

Skills

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, using 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.

General Competence

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 has two elements, a classical block and situational block.  Both blocks involve lectures reviewing literature and examples, and seminars discussing content and undertaking interim assignments.  The literature for the first block is compulsory: the literature for the second block is elective.

Compulsory learning activities

None. 

Assessment

The first block is assessed by an exam which tests students on their understanding of the compulsory literature. The second block is assessed by a group assignment which tests students on their application of innovation understanding in a specific organisational context. This translates into two final assessments:

1. Individual written exam, 4 hours (40% of the final assessment). The examination may be digital.
2. Group assignment (60% of the final assessment).

Students will be formed into small groups with three members to the final report, a diagnosis and prognosis of an innovation problem in a group-chosen innovation context.  The groups will be formed in an exercise at the start of the second block, and will be guided to develop the report through a set of practical exercises.

The examination paper may be submitted in Norwegian or English; the group assignment will be submitted in English.  Both will be graded on the scale A-F: F corresponds with a failing grade. Both elements must reach a passing grade that students receive a final course grade.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material