This module introduces the student to a contemporary view of managing innovation - the development of new products, processes, and services. It is concerned with the study of the innovation process. The process is understood to evolve as an S-shaped curve consisting of three distinct phases: emergence (the development of the product or service, its manufacturing capabilities, and its place in the market), growth (where the product family pervades the market), and maturity (where the market is saturated and growth slows). The relationship between the innovation process and the use and management of technology, together with its links to the development of innovation strategy, dynamic interactions with innovation networks, learning processes and government support for innovation, provides for the content of this module.
The main aim of the module is to equip students with the knowledge, expertise and skills with which to manage the innovation process both at the strategic and the operational levels in different types of organisations.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
1) Obtain a clear understanding of the micro perspective of innovation concerning technology S-curve, punctuated equilibrium, dominant design, and absorptive capacity (A6, A7, A14, B1, B2, B4, C2, C3, D1)
2) Acquire a clear understanding of the sources of innovation and the process of innovation and how they affect the way innovation evolves (A6, A7, A14, B1, B2, B4; C2, C3, D1, D2, D4, D5)
3) Acquire a clear understanding of an organisation's internal culture, structure and strategy and their influence on the innovation process (A6, A7, A14, B1, B2, B4; C2, C3, D1, D2, D4, D5)
4) Clearly understand the importance of the external environment for innovation, and how alliances, inter-firm linkages, networks and national innovation systems impact on the innovation management process (A7, A8, A14, B1, B2, B4, C2, C3, D1, D2)
5) Obtain a clear understanding of how government policy principles and practices affect the process of innovation and technology management (A7, A8, A14, B1, B2, B4, C2, C3; D1, D2)
6) Prepare and communicate both orally and in writing his/her understanding of the innovation process as it informs enterprise development (B1, B2, B4; C2, C3; D1, D2, D4, D5).
- Module Supervisor: Jun Li