FE410 Technology, Innovation and Society

Contents and structure

The course gives an introduction to technology development from a social scientific perspective. Societal conditions for and implications of technological development are discussed, with a particular focus on innovation processes and how innovation can be understood and facilitated. Thus, the course provides an introduction to innovation theory and links this to empirical examples, e.g., by discussing strategies and models for innovation. The reciprocal relationship between technology and society is central, and the course advances knowledge on how to understand and explain innovation. The course also discusses positive and negative implications of technology and technology development for industrial and societal development.

The course focuses particularly on topics and examples of relevance to renewable energy.

Learning Outcome

The main learning outcome from the course is increased knowledge about the interplay between technology, innovation and society, and increased understanding of this interplay for topics of relevance to renewable energy.

Knowledge

• The student develops knowledge of the reciprocity between technology and society.
• The student develops knowledge on how to analyse and understand development of (new) renewable energy technologies.
• The student develops knowledge on theories, concepts and analytical frameworks concerning innovation and technology development.

Skills

• The student is able to apply central theories and concepts on real-world problems/cases.
• The student is able to to discuss and reflect upon central themes around technology. development, innovation and societal conditions and the interlinkages between these.

 

Competence

• The student can discuss conditions, opportunities and challenges linked to technology development.
• The student can write independent academic texts.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

FE401 and FE405

Teaching methods

Lectures, guest lectures, group work, assignments and seminars.

Compulsory learning activities

One (1) written assignment and one (1) discussion, both connected to the course's themes. Two of two learning activities must be approved (passed) before one may take the exam.

Assessment

Written school exam, 4 hours.

Grading scale A-F, where F represents a fail.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material