TIK4021 – Innovation and Global Challenges
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
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. Through examples related to climate change, digitalisation, economic growth, and public sector innovation, the course ties the study of innovation to some of the most significant societal challenges of our time. By the end, students will be equipped to engage in high-level discussions on contemporary innovation theories, policies, and governance.
From the lecturer's side, the aim is to foster a stimulating and interactive learning environment with engaging tasks, discussions, and case studies—while making the learning process enjoyable. The course is closely aligned with ongoing research by TIK faculty and guest lecturers, both nationally and internationally. Additionally, senior students will lead seminars to encourage master’s students to actively engage with literature and concepts in a collaborative setting.
The course is organised in three modules:
- Sustainability transitions
- Digitalisation
- Governance of innovation
In each module, students are introduced to conceptual tools for understanding the dynamics and governance of innovation at both organizational and systems levels. Emphasising the integration of these themes, students are prepared to gain and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to address complex real-world problems, which they may choose to engage with during their master’s thesis projects.
Students are expected to submit mandatory assignments throughout the course and to actively participate in discussions, group work, and oral presentations. These 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 thinking skills.
Learning outcome
By the end of this course, students will have gained sophisticated analytical tools and frameworks to study and navigate innovation processes. Students will be able to critically analyse and explain some of the most pressing societal challenges and driving forces in today’s innovation landscape. Specifically, the course provides students with advanced knowledge on:
- Understanding and analysing pressing societal phenomena such as the green shift and digitisation
- The dynamics of modern knowledge-based economies and their implications for innovation
- Innovation management: How organisations can become more innovative
- The development and implementation of technology within society
- Policymaking and governance of innovation
- The societal impact of science-based knowledge and innovation
- Differences in innovation dynamics across sectors, countries, and regions
- The systemic and evolutionary underpinnings of innovation, including the role of place-specific institutions, infrastructures, and practices
- The role of public institutions and infrastructures, like universities, in fostering innovation processes and systems
- Gaining interdisciplinary knowledge to address complex, real-world problems
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
- 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.