The development and diffusion of a new generation of advanced technologies and process innovations has opened a new period of industrial and societal transformation which will significantly disrupt international business. These new disruptive technologies will transform the international organisation of production and distribution of goods, and services and have complex consequences for the environmental and social wellbeing. The module aims to provide students with an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of technological change, and the processes of learning and knowledge creation underpinning these activities. The module focuses on the interactive character of innovation to study how different national business and innovation systems, industrial platforms and global value chains in different national contexts and the ways in which these shape the development and diffusion of innovation. How business networks, governments and social organisations manage and respond to these disruptive changes is a critical element of this module.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Discuss and critically analyse the nature of innovation processes across different industries.
Explain the disruptive impact of radical technological change on firms, global value chains, international business eco-systems and business networks.
Appraise the impact of disruptive innovation and technological change on international, national and regional innovation and business systems.
Apply a system’s approach to the analysis of the complex societal challenges associated with disruptive innovation at global level.
Develop problem solving skills for dealing with real world complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty.
Develop critical thinking and communication skills.
(2500 words) Individual essay assignment (70%). (1000 words equivalent) Individual business report of a possible solution to a complex real world problem that explores elements of disruption and adoption of innovative practices (30%).
Reassessment:
Resubmission of failed component(s): (2500 words) Individual essay assignment (70%).
AND/OR(1000 words equivalent) Individual business report, focusing on one or two companies that explores innovation adoption and practice (30%).