Sustainability Transitions and Innovation (MSB340)
The global challenges we are facing including the climate crisis, green restructuring, geopolitical tensions, and the need for further digitalization, impact firms‘ financial situations, and long-term growth strategies. As a response, they need to engage in and utilize a wide range of innovation. Consequently, to succeed in contemporary business life, it is essential to understand how technological shifts and global megatrends shape firms’ strategies, investment decisions, and day-to-day operations. Thereby, it is essential to realize that these shifts and trends simultaneously represent threats and opportunities. Either way, they call on firms to contribute to the transition towards a sustainable economy by means of innovation.
This course addresses the consequences of the transition towards a more sustainable economy for the development of individual businesses and for regional as well as national economies. The course delves into the strategies for sustainable transitions, the introduction of business model innovations, and the innovation-based transformation of economic systems. It features insights into the increased internationalization of innovation processes in ‘green’ sectors such as renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. The course extends the traditional firm-centered perspective by stressing the embeddedness of firms into sectoral, territorial, and institutional systems, with a focus on innovation processes.
Throughout this course, students will engage with a diverse array of case studies to explore sustainability transitions through the lens of innovation. The curriculum includes weekly lectures and reading sessions designed to deepen understanding. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to apply the insights gained from the course within a sustainability business game. In this simulation, participants will assume the roles of a business recruitment team, tasked with making informed decisions regarding green investments and regional transformation, all while using sustainability as a pivotal driver for action.
The course is part of the minor “2. Innovation and Sustainable Development”, but it is also open to all interested students.
NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by January 6th for the spring semester.
Course description for study year 2024-2025
Course code
MSB340
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Learning outcome
Knowledge: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to
- discuss and interpret the most central theories and debates in the academic literature on sustainable development and innovation.
- analyze real-life phenomena (e.g., the transition of the oil and gas industry and the development of green technologies) from sustainability transition perspectives
- apply the theories of sustainability transitions to tackle real societal challenges
- create strategies and make policy suggestions at different levels in promoting sustainability transitions and innovation
Skills Upon completion of the course, students will be able to
- discuss real-life phenomena of "sustainability transitions" and provide timely suggestions for how to tackle grand challenges from a business and policy perspective.
- debate, think independently and critically discuss academic publications with your peers
- communicate effectively to a non-academic audience.
- work in teams and involve in problem-solving tasks by participating in a business simulation game as well as weekly reading sessions.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Written exam and presentation
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-class individual written examination | 7/10 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | |
| Presentation of a business attraction strategy in groups | 3/10 | Letter grades |
