Entrepreneurship and innovation are multifaceted and interdisciplinary concepts that are often misused and misunderstood. Over time, the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation and how we (try to) manage technological development have evolved quite significantly from individual level perspective (who are entrepreneurs/innovators and what do they do) to more system level concepts as organizations (firms, research centers etc), innovation systems, international networks, value chains and platforms play increasingly crucial roles bringing new technologies and innovations to life. Further, innovation and entrepreneurship are not only linked to traditional business processes, but are also seen as crucial for tackling complex societal challenges and wicked problems, and even achieving UN's Sustainable Development Goals, EU's Green Deal etc. Hence, many companies and even countries (through respective policies) are trying to turn the tackling of such complex challenges and problems into business and growth opportunities while keeping in mind certain broader societal issues (climate, socio-economic developments). We will link our lectures and assignments to this growing trend, try to make sense of it, and look at how different approaches and methods could be used to fulfill such ambitious goals of simultaneously solving societal challenges and spurring innovation in companies and society more broadly.
- Õpetaja/Teacher: Erkki Karo