Use in Teaching

This game is used in teaching at master’s level at Lund University. Split across one or two seminars, students play the game, read Hekkert et al.’s (2007) paper and discuss game events and analyze at a meta level how the game corresponds to the system functions in the paper. The two seminar version is outlined here, including reflection and discussion questions.

Seminars

The seminars aim to introduce innovation systems and sustainability transitions in a more experience based manner.

The first seminar introduces innovation systems through a simulation game of an innovation system.

The second seminar is a group discussion of individual reflections on the game and relevant literature.

While no special preparation is needed for the first seminar, the second seminar requires that you have read the following.

Required Reading

Hekkert et al. (2007) propose seven functions of innovation systems. They will be an important reflection topic for your assignment.

Recommended Reading

Meadows (2009, chap. 4) and Wieczorek and Hekkert (2012) are recommended as they each deepen an aspect of systems thinking related to the first seminar that might be helpful in your reflections.

Since none of these papers talk directly about sustainability, you will need to make the connection. It can be helpful to think about how different functions relate to different sustainability questions. Some questions to keep in mind could be: What assumptions about sustainability (weak versus strong) are made by the innovation systems literature? Are there tradeoffs between the functions of an innovation system and sustainability transitions? How do different functions change in their relation to sustainability over time, e.g., does one and the same function promote sustainability at one point and then limit it at another?

Hekkert, M. P., R. A. A. Suurs, S. O. Negro, S. Kuhlmann, and R. E. H. M. Smits. 2007. “Functions of Innovation Systems: A New Approach for Analysing Technological Change.” Technological Forecasting and Social Change 74 (4): 413–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2006.03.002.

Meadows, Donella H. 2009. Thinking in Systems: A Primer. London: Earthscan.

Wieczorek, Anna J., and Marko P. Hekkert. 2012. “Systemic Instruments for Systemic Innovation Problems: A Framework for Policy Makers and Innovation Scholars.” Science and Public Policy 39 (1): 74–87. https://doi.org/10.1093/scipol/scr008.