TIK4021 – Innovation and Global Challenges
Course content
Innovation is at the heart of solving some of today’s most pressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty and global health. But why do innovation and economic growth vary so dramatically across countries and regions? Why do technological innovations dominate solutions to climate change? Can university-based research address health problems in developing countries? And if innovation is such a buzzword, why do so many barriers still exist within and beyond organisations?
The primary goal of this course is to deepen students’ understanding of key concepts, issues, theories, and dilemmas in innovation studies, building on introductory courses at the University of Oslo and beyond. The course focuses upon drivers and barriers for innovation, as well as the systemic and evolutionary underpinnings of innovation processes. Through real-world cases such as climate change, digitalization and demographic ageing, the course ties the study of innovation to some of the most significant societal challenges of our time.
Students are expected to submit mandatory assignments throughout the course and to actively participate in discussions, group work, and oral presentations. The assignments are designed to encourage the application of ideas from lectures, allowing students to receive continuous feedback on their submissions. These exercises help build a foundation for the final exam and further development of critical reflection.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- Advanced understanding?of?concepts, theories, and dilemmas?in innovation studies.
- Understanding sectoral, regional, and national differences in innovation dynamics and their underlying systemic and evolutionary factors.
- Insight into how innovations are developed, deployed in society?and what impact they?may have for societal transformation.
- Understanding of the role of public institutions, infrastructure and governance in promoting?innovation processes?and systems.
- Advanced insight into the formulation and implementation of policies influencing?innovation at various levels.
Skills
- Apply?theoretical instruments and analytical frameworks to real-world case studies concerning contemporary societal challenges.
- Examine innovation-related policies in various social contexts.
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on innovation processes and systems.
- Collaborate in teams to solve real-world innovation challenges using an interdisciplinary approach.
- Use oral presentations, written assignments, and group discussions to introduce and convey topics linked to innovation.
Competence
- Ability to engage in high-level discussions and debates on contemporary innovation theory, policy, and governance.
- Ability to integrate interdisciplinary ideas on innovation to navigate global challenges.
- Reflect critically on the ethical, societal, and environmental implications of innovation.
- Engage in professional and scholarly innovation initiatives.
- Understanding how policy processes condition technological development and innovation.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
The course is applicable for master programme students from humanities/social sciences if they meet the prerequisites. Students from TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture have a priority, other students are admitted if there is capacity.
Please apply in Studentweb by: January 10th.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
- A Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities or equal.
- TIK4001 - Teknologi, innovasjon og kunnskap, or equivalent.
Teaching
- 80 % participation is required.
Examination
One week individual home-exam.?
Language of examination
The exam will be conducted in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.