In this seminar we will analyse the organisation of innovation. The starting point of the seminar is the dilemma between stability and change that arises from the need to maintain operational routines (stability) and the pressure to offer new and innovative products (change). The focus lies therefore on the handling and coordination of innovation projects. First of all, we get to know different organisational forms for innovation (hierarchy, markets, networks). Their strengths and weaknesses can be understood against the background of classical and modern innovation theories. In the next step, we explore the specificities of innovation projects in multinational companies. This also raises the question of organisational innovation management. We will further get to know the challenges that go along with innovating the organisation itself, i.e. organisational learning and organisational change. Zooming out to the interplay between organisations, we will work with the concept of innovation systems.
The introductory texts for the seminar will be available to participants via Stud.IP. I expect all participants to read the specified introductory texts before the seminar and to be prepared to actively participate in the discussion. You will obtain the certificate of achievement in this module through a short presentation (10-15 minutes) and a research essay (2000-2500 words).