This module aims to provide students with a critical awareness of major issues associated with innovation, technological change, green transitions and sustainable innovation. Throughout this module students will explore key concepts and frameworks in innovation studies with implications and applications to sustainability. Students will study practical case studies of sustainable innovations at different technology and sector levels.
Starting from definitions of innovation and technological change, the module will look at innovation as a multi-scalar and systemic process, whereby innovation dynamics and links between innovation and technological change deliver productivity and economic growth. The current Fourth Industrial Revolution that shapes the current digital and sustainability revolutions changing production and markets; these will then be discussed in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in relation to responsible business priorities. The second part of the module will explore definitions of sustainable innovation and green transitions, together with synergies between sustainable innovation and both green growth, as well as market readiness. The third part of the module will draw on the knowledge and expertise acquired in the module and apply it to some manufacturing and service sectors, both ranging from high tech to low tech-intensive, e.g. transport and energy, materials, food and fashion.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
20.1
Critically evaluate the definitions, approaches and values connected with innovation, green transition and sustainable innovation in the context of a radical technological shift and pressing green concerns.
20.2
Critically evaluate the different theoretical approaches and models that underpin innovation, technological change, green transition and sustainable innovation.
20.3
Develop and critically analyse ideas and plans for sustainable innovation opportunities by applying conceptual and practical knowledge and tools acquired in the module.
20.4
Identify and deal with complex problems to address societal challenges linked to combining sustainable and innovative solutions in fast moving and competitive ecosystems.
20.5
Critically analyse case studies of sustainable innovation to identify both successful approaches and barriers to sustainable innovation and evaluate the impact of policies and regulations on those approaches.