About this course
The course aims at providing an introduction to the main theoretical and empirical issues surrounding the economic analysis of innovation. In particular, the course will discuss how innovation emerges in modern economies and how it interacts with the dynamics and evolution of industries. The course will examine alternative ways of conceptualising innovation; the sources and procedures of innovation; the relationship between market structure and innovation; the trade-offs and dilemmas in terms of strategy and social welfare which characterise innovative environments. This introductory course for students with limited background in innovation studies uses basic microeconomic and industrial organization models, along with empirical and historical evidence and case studies on industry evolution. Course Description.
The course will offer online lectures, online discussion boards, assignments, weekly tutorial meetings to discuss readings and assignments, and an oral exam at the end of the course.
Most of the participants [...] are professionals who intend to continue their studies or who want to acquire the theoretical basis in this field for future projects. [...] For this reason, our meetings become a mutual enrichment, in which each participant brings his specific point of view.
Learning Goals
- To acquire the basic terminology necessary to discuss, in a consistent and rigorous way, innovation issues.
- To understand the role that innovation and technical change play in shaping competitiveness and industrial change.
- To recognise sector-level specificities in the sources of innovation, and their consequences for practice and policy.
- To recognise the systemic nature of the innovative process.
Prerequisites
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Social Sciences.
Cost
600 EUR
Estimated Workload
- The course exists in 4 units.
- Each unit has a workload of about 10-15 hours.
- The course includes an assignment with oral exam, estimated to take 10-15 hours.
ECTS equivalent
Participants will earn 2 ECTS credits and receive certification via an online educational badge.
Duration: 10 weeks
- 1 week to access the platform and become familiar with the material
- 4 weeks of coursework
- 1 week to submit the final assignment and
- 2 weeks for potential resits.
Application Process
You can apply for each course by using the online application form.
During the application process, you will need to upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
- A copy of your (valid) passport (PDF or JPEG)
After completing the application, you will receive a confirmation email along with the payment information. Once we receive the payment, we will register you as a participant for the course, and the Online Courses Administration Team will contact you. The administrative process typically takes an average of 5-10 working days.
If you have any questions regarding the application documents or the application process or if there are any clarifications you need before applying, please feel free to reach out to the Capacity Development Office at the email address: onlinecourses@merit.unu.edu.