Sustainable Innovation Management - Compulsory Module

Total Credits: 6 (3+3)

Semester: 2 (SoSe)

Lecturers: Prof. Cornelius Herstatt, Luise Degen, Stephan Bergmann

Examination Form: Written exam and project work

The module Sustainable Innovation Management consists of two courses:

  • Managing Sustainable Innovations Lecture

  • Managing Sustainable Innovations Seminar

Innovations are the core source of growth in industrialised countries. The question of how innovation can be successfully generated is becoming more and more relevant in business administration. In this modul which comprises a problem-based-learning lecture and a seminar, selected aspects and topics of innovation management in the context of strategic, organisational and resource-related decisions will be taught.

The student will gather knowledge about the following topics: The role of innovation, the development of a innovation strategy, ideas: how to manage creativity and knowledge, prioritisation: portfolio selection and management, implementation of new products, processes and services, people, organsation and innovation, how to foster innovation performance and the future of innovation management.

  • The management of innovation is one of the most important and challenging aspects of modern organization. Innovation is a fundamental driver of competitiveness, and it plays a large part in improving quality of life. Given the current global challenge of climate change, it is important to not only develop and manage innovations which address economic KPIs of an organization, but also understand and address the social and ecological impact of the innovation.  

    It is therefore essential to sensitise and help students understand the strategies, tools, and techniques for managing especially sustainable innovation, which often require a different set of management knowledge and skills from those employed in everyday business administration.  

    The course itself draws upon research activities of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management at the TUHH (www.tuhh.de/tim).

    Learning Outcomes:

    The course aims to equip students with an understanding of key issues in the management of innovation and an appreciation of the relevant skills needed to manage innovation at both strategic and operational levels. It provides evidence of different approaches based on leading research, real world examples and experiences of firms and organizations from around the world.

    Content:

    1. The Management of (Technological) Innovation  

    2. Strategy and Organization for Innovation  

    3. Managing the Innovation Process  

    4. The Management of Sustainable Innovation 

    5. Market-Research for Innovation and Design-Thinking  

    6. Capturing value from R&D, Open Innovation and IP  

  • The seminar "Managing Sustainable Innovation" provides a practice-oriented application of the teaching material conveyed in the lecture "Management of Sustainable Innovations". Students work in groups on selected topics and projects of sustainable innovation management. Consequently, participation in the seminar requires participation in the lecture.

    Learning Outcomes:

    This seminar aims to equip students with an understanding of key issues in the management of sustainable innovation and an appreciation of the relevant skills needed to manage innovation at both strategic and operational levels. The content of the class is deepened based on case studies, projects, and simulations.

    Content:

    Changing from year to year and designed/adapted according to current projects and cases (case studies and company-related case work).