Course content

The subject explores the innovation dynamics in a Norwegian context, with the main emphasis on the integration of sustainable and secure practices. Students will develop a deep understanding of innovation theory and perspectives, as well as how Norwegian innovation practice and culture in the private, public and voluntary sectors is shaped through sustainable organising and management of innovation. The focus is particularly on strengthening organisations' innovation capacity and facilitating secure digital innovation, as well as benefits realisationfrom innovation processes.

Innovation, defined as that which is "new, useful, made useful," emphasizes the importance of processes related to the organising and management of innovation in different organizational contexts. The subject deals with innovation both as a result (new products or services) and as a process. Furthermore, the role of digitalisation, digital transformation and disruptive technologies in the field of innovation is emphasized, with particular focus on ICT-driven innovation or digital innovation, which brings with it both opportunities and challenges, especially within digital security.

Important topics in the course

• Perspectives on innovation
• Innovation in various sectors
• Sustainable organising of innovation
• Sustainable management of innovation
• Secure and sustainable digital innovation

Learning outcome

Through the course, the students will acquire

Knowledge

• in-depth understanding of innovation theory and different perspectives on innovation, with special emphasis on the Norwegian context.
• insight into the various types of innovation, including product, service and process innovation, as well as digital and disruptive innovations.
• Insight into the importance of building innovation capacity through organising and management in the field of innovation to ensure long-term sustainability.
• knowledge of digital innovation and its impact on society, organizations and individuals, including digital security aspects.

Skills

Through the course, the students will

• develop the ability to apply innovation theory and perspectives to analyze and understand innovation practice in Norwegian organisations, both in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
• be able to identify opportunities and challenges related to digital innovation in various social sectors and organisations.
• assess and promote sustainable innovation processes with regard to social contexts, the environment and the economy.
• develop the ability to increase organisations' innovation capacity, facilitate processes leading to secure digital innovation and benefits realisation from innovation processes.

General competence

Through the course, students must have developed competence to

• critically assess and reflect on innovation practices in the Norwegian context.
• participate actively in discussions about innovation and sustainable management, and contribute with critical reflection and analysis.
• understand complex challenges related to innovation, digitalization and digital security.
• collaborate with various stakeholders to promote sustainable innovation in organizations and society.

Learning methods and activities

The learning style in the course is active learning and is based on "flipped classroom scheme". Students are expected to read and work on learning resources in Canvas, organized in modules, on their own. The modules have learning units that give summaries of selected chapters from mandatory course books, and they are supplied with curated articles, giving the students opportunity to go into depth. Other materials are supplied occasionally.

There are module-based seminars on campus where the students work in groups and together in plenary based on a program that will activate their theoretical knowledge in a practical case work that is specific to the module. Seminars can have company visits and guest speakers. Seminars have a mini-lecture as well.

The students form permanent groups with which they work together throughout the semester.

Obligatory activities

There are mandatory group activities before and after seminars as preparation and reflection afterwards. These constitute the mandatory coursework requirement and therefore preparation (as specified in Canvas) and active participation in the seminars is mandatory and prerequisite for being able to take the exam. Any absence from seminars must be approved by the course coordinator.

Language of instruction: The course is taught mainly in Norwegian, compulsory submission and exam is in Norwegian. Learning materials are mostly in Norwegian, exception is research articles in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignments and mandatory participation in lectures

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

It is an advantage to have prior knowledge in organizational and management courses, but for those who do not have this prior knowledge, a folder will be available for self-study/refresh of basic knowledge.

Required previous knowledge

Admission to a master programme on campus Gjøvik.

Those in other master’s programs on campus Gjøvik can sign up for the course, but must confirm with their department whether it counts toward their degree.

Course materials

To be announced at the start of the semester