Universität Wien

290098 EX Field trip: Innovation for New Path Creation (2018S)

2.00 ECTS (1.50 SWS), SPL 29 - Geographie
Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 20 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Exkursionstermine:
4.4.2018 (Graz)
5.4.2018 (Wien)
6.4.2018 (Wien)

  • Thursday 08.03. 18:30 - 19:45 Seminarraum Geographie NIG 5.OG C0528 (Kickoff Class)

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Climate change, increasing global interconnectedness, as well as the advancing digitisation are the main societal and economic challenges of the 21st century. At the same time digitisation especially creates considerable new opportunities.
To tackle such challenges new solutions are needed. These may often be either totally different from or similar to predominant solutions. The description and explanation of the development of new industries along innovative technologies is one of the core concepts of economic geography (path creation). The determinant agents are inventors/engineers and innovators/entrepreneurs who mindfully deviate from existing approaches and search for alternative, better solutions. Their activities lead to the development and establishment of new solutions and therefore the establishment of new industrial pathways. The public authorities are also key as the adaptation (or lack thereof) of regulations and sponsorship activities may both enhance or hinder new path development (institutional co-evolution).
The ambition for the field trip is to meet agents who were involved with new path creation either directly or indirectly. The three days are structured in three thematic blocks: “Start-ups and their supporters”, “old/new industry – industry 4.0”, “Digital city”. On the one hand we are exploring the situation of young entrepreneurs who attempt to bring their innovative products to the market in Austria (start-ups). We also involve the perspective of those organisations which seek to assist the entrepreneurs in doing so (start-up support). On the other hand we explore the situation of established companies in often traditional industries who have had to adapt their practices in the light of changing circumstances and did so pro-actively (old -> new industry, industry 4.0). The third aspect is the role of governmental agencies, who seek to balance the stabilisation of existing paths and the support of new paths (digital city).
Students explore in advance what roles the companies and organisations play in the described theoretical context and will further deepen their understanding through the field trip.

Assessment and permitted materials

Active participation every day of the field trip, a textual contribution and an oral presentation of the prepared research:
The research results will serve as expert contribution for the group between meetings and during travel. Beside the short presentation a textual contribution must be prepared. This can be done as part of a small group (2 students) or as individual.
Further details of the assignment will be communicated to the participants within good time.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

It is expected that students prepare material for the field trip independently.
Students should be able to present and critically reflect on the results of their written analysis on-site using appropriate materials (e.g. handouts, illustrations).
Active participation (contributions and punctuality) every day of the field trip is considered a basic condition for positive final results.

Examination topics

Active participation is a basic condition for a positive result.
Both the presentation materials as well as the written contribution will be used for the assessment.

Reading list

Garud, R. and Karnoe, P. (2001) ‘Path Creation as a Process of Mindful Deviation’, in Garud, R. and Karnoe, P. (eds) Path Dependence and Creation. London, UK, pp. 1–40.
Simmie, J. (2012) ‘Path Dependence and New Technological Path Creation in the Economic Landscape’, in Cooke, P. (ed.) Reframing Urban & Regional Development: Evolution, Innovation & Transition. London, UK: Routledge, pp. 164–185.
Isaksen, A., Tödtling, F. and Trippl, M. (2016) Innovation policies for regional structural change: Combining actor-based and system-based strategies. 2016/15. Vienna, Austria.

Association in the course directory

(B11-7.3) (MG3-EX) (L2-EX) (BA UF GW 18)

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:42