Description
This module invites students to consider the multiple forms that innovation now takes. ÌýWe often think of innovation as being about new hardware (mobile phones, driverless cars) or new products developed following the latest scientific findings. However, innovation in how societies are organized is just as important to our lives. These include kindergartens and hospices; carbon trading markets and microcredit; or new kinds of education like the Open University, Coursera and Udacity. It is also important to consider how innovation is organised, who participates, who benefits from it, and how. Ìý
In this module we will explore a range of approaches to innovation. Science-based innovation, service innovation, design-based innovation, digital innovation, public sector innovation, and user-led innovation. The module will then focus on social innovation, looking at the history of social innovations, where they come from (whether social movements, social entrepreneurs, academics or political parties), how they spread and grow, and some of the barriers they face. We will touch on some of the deeper ideas - about how societies can reinvent themselves bottom up rather than top down.  We will also look at the role social innovation is playing in addressing wicked problems and grand challenges, such as climate change. 
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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