course-details-portlet

SMF3086F

Sustainable Innovation

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Third-year courses, level III
Course start Spring 2027
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Gjøvik
Examination arrangement Project

About

About the course

Course content

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to sustainable innovation, examining its definitions, drivers, and critical importance in contemporary society. Students will explore the interconnections between sustainable innovation, strategic leadership, and organizational adaptation. The course emphasizes the development and implementation of sustainable and innovative business models, and investigates how different types of innovation contribute to sustainability goals. Special attention is given to the role of digital transformation in enabling and accelerating sustainable practices.

Key topics include:

  • Conceptual foundations and societal relevance of sustainable innovation
  • The relationship between sustainable innovation, strategy, and leadership
  • Types of innovation and their contributions to sustainability
  • The impact of digital transformation on sustainable innovation
  • Development and adaptation of sustainable and innovative business models

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to critically assess and implement sustainable innovations across diverse organizational contexts.

Learning outcome

Knowledge Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Understand and explain the concept of sustainable innovation and its inherent complexity.
  • Describe the relationship between sustainable innovation and sustainable strategies.
  • Identify different types of innovation and explain how they contribute to sustainability.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of digital transformation and its role in sustainable innovation.
  • Characterize sustainable and innovative business models and their organizational implications.

Skills Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Apply theories of sustainable innovation in combination with disciplinary knowledge from their study program to assess the potential for sustainable development in organizations.
  • Analyze existing organizations to identify opportunities for innovations that support more sustainable business practices, including proposing concrete measures.
  • Recognize potential dilemmas and consequences associated with choosing innovations for sustainable development.

General Competence Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Develop a critical perspective on organizational activities and resource utilization.
  • Engage in oral and written discussions about the need for change and new solutions to promote sustainable business practices.

Learning methods and activities

Digital lectures and videos. Guidance is provided through digital group guidance, discussion groups, and the offer of individual/group guidance based on needs/requests.

Compulsory assignments

  • Approved exercises

Further on evaluation

The project assignment must be submitted individually or in groups of up to 5 students. There is no deferred exam for the project assignment according to the current regulations at NTNU. Approved mandatory coursework is valid for 2 years.

Information regarding the project assignment will be provided via the course page on Canvas at the start of the semester.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Business Management (BØKLED-F)

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Jørgensen & Pedersen: RESTART - Sustainable Business Model Innovation

Additional course literature will be specified at a later stage

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
SMF3086 7.5 sp
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Economics

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Project
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Spring 2027

Project
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code A Exam system Inspera Assessment