Innovation systems, networks and social capital

Convenor: Professor Klaus Nielsen
Assessment: A two-hour examination (75%) and a coursework essay of a maximum 2500 words (25%). The deadline for the coursework essay is 12th April 2012 (Absolute Cut-Off deadline – 3rd May 2012)

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough understanding of how innovation is related to the management of social relations within the firm as well as inter-firm networks and also linked to educational systems, labour markets, financial markets and other aspects of the broader societal context.

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, the student should be able to apply theories of innovation systems, networks and social capital theories as analytical frameworks for conceptualising innovation processes, innovation management and innovation policy.

Content

1. Innovation systems, theory and applications

New perceptions of innovation processes and interactive learning; systemic approach(es) to innovation; national, regional, local or globalised systems of innovation; application of the innovation system approach in empirical studies; innovation systems and ICT.

2. Social capital and networks, the firm as a nexus of social relations

The role of social relations in theories of the firm; social capital: theory and applications; corporate social capital: trust, norms and networks; social capital, human capital and other forms of capital; social capital in innovation processes; how to build social capital.

3. Inter-firm networks, clusters and innovation

Markets, hierarchies and networks; the network society: theory and evidence; networks and learning; strategic alliances and other inter-firm networks; innovation in industrial clusters.

4. Implications for innovation policy

Innovation policy and interactive learning in an innovation system; fostering of networks; business-university networks; social capital and innovation policy; lock-in and break-up.

Background reading

• Smith, D. (2010): Exploring Innovation. London: McGrawHill.
• Edquist, C. and MacKelvey, M. (eds.) (2000): Systems of Innovation: Growth, Competitiveness and Employment. Edward Elgar: Cheltenham.
• Fagerberg, J. and D.C. Mowery and R.R. Nelson (eds.) (2005): The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press.
• Granovetter, Mark. (1973) “The strength of weak ties”. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), pp.1360-1380.
• Field, J. (2003): Social Capital. London and New York: Routledge.
• Chisholm, A. and K. Nielsen (2009): “Social Capital and the Resource-based View of the Firm”. International Studies of Management and Organization, 39(2).