Innovation Systems

Course goals

Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.

After completion of this course the student is able to describe and apply different system perspectives to innovation. More specifically, at the end of the course the student is able to:

1. explain the rationales behind the different system perspectives on innovation
2. able to work with the core concepts behind the different types of system perspectives on innovation
3. discern the strengths and weaknesses of each framework
4. determine which frameworks to apply under which circumstances
5. formulate recommendations on how to improve the development and diffusion of an emerging technology using the Technological Innovation Systems framework
6. write, as a group, a research consultancy report in academically sound English
7. present key findings in English

Content

In innovation literature, two main insights led to the development of the innovation systems frameworks.
 
The first is that innovation is a collective act. Multiple actors are involved in innovation processes and it is almost impossible to innovate in complete isolation. One can think of relations between firms in the development of new technologies but also about interactions between firms and users of technology. Furthermore, firms are strongly influenced in their innovation decisions by the institutional conditions that are in place.
 
The second is the insight that the linear model of innovation is too simplistic to understand and stimulate innovation processes. Instead many feedback loops are present and many factors, notably institutions, influence the outcome of innovation processes. Therefore, innovation outcomes are best understood from a system perspective.
 
In this course students will go into the background of innovation process thinking and dive in the innovation system theoretical frameworks and particularly Technological Innovation Systems. Students will understand the value of a systems' perspective of innovation. They will identify the differences between the frameworks, their strengths and weaknesses and will know which system perspective is most suited to answer specific research questions.
 
Next to acquiring basic theoretical knowledge about innovation systems students will also apply this knowledge in practice by carrying out a structural innovation systems analysis and a full technological innovation system analysis.

This course contains an Honor's component.

An early exit for exchange students is not possible in this course.

This course is an entry requirement for:

• Innovatieproject 2 (GEO3-2226)
• Bachelor’s thesis NW&I (GEO3-2228/GEO3-2275