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. If you want to leave feedback on the game, you can do so here:

Feedback Form: https://forms.office.com/r/8PstTLd9b1

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.