Master's Programme in Innovation and Knowledge Development
Language of instruction
Norwegian.
Learning outcomes
Students should have good knowledge about central theories, methods and concepts, describing innovation policy and its effects on businesses, networks and regions.
Students should be prepared to use quantitative methods to analyse networks. They should be able to discuss how and why different types of innovation networks emerge, how they can be controlled / managed and assess their effects.
Students will be able to reflect critically on the emergence of the new innovation policy and its effects.
Course contents
1) Innovation, Politics and Policies. Focus here is on the relationship between innovation, politics and policies. We look at the preconditions for governing and stimulating innovation politically. We furthermore examine historical and contemporary paradigms and cases of innovation policies.
2) Network Theory. In this section, an introduction is given to different relational perspectives on innovation and social development, including network theory, social capital theory and social network analysis. In addition, introduction is given to various theories on governing of networks and of innovation policies and practice, specially as pertaining to regional governance and regional cluster governance.
3) Innovation Policy Challenges. In this section of the course, we look at contemporary challenges to innovation policies, and at how these challenges can be met in different contexts, national as well as regional.
Teaching methods
The teaching programme is a combination of lectures, discussions, seminars and supervision of assignments. The lectures include central theory and empirical. Seminars discuss method and procedure for preparing folder text (paper).
Examination requirements
All group participants present at the presentation of the group's work to the class. The student must pass the oral presentation.
Assessment methods and criteria
The Exams are twofold: Individual or group based term paper counts 40%. 4 hours individual written exam counts 60%.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.