Objectives and competences
The objective of the course is to introduce students to the key theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of innovation in the context of entrepreneurship and firm activity, and to provide them with an in-depth understanding of this field for independent scientific research. Students learn how to define relevant research questions, formulate research assumptions or hypotheses, select appropriate theoretical foundations, and develop a conceptual research framework. They acquire the ability to critically analyse scientific literature and to apply qualitative and quantitative research approaches to the study of innovation processes, different forms of innovation, and the organisational, strategic and technological determinants influencing innovation in firms. In doing so, they develop the ability to independently design research frameworks, develop models, and prepare original research contributions in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Content (Syllabus outline)
1. Definition of innovation as a field of research and its positioning within the entrepreneurial context.
2. Theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of innovation in firms and entrepreneurial activity.
3. Innovation as a process of creating, developing and implementing new solutions.
4. Entrepreneurial behaviour, innovation orientation and the development of innovation activities in firms.
5. Different forms of innovation and their importance for firm development, adaptation and competitiveness.
6. Specific characteristics of innovation in new, small and growing firms.
7. Organisational, strategic and managerial determinants of innovation.
8. Digital transformation, new technologies and their impact on innovation processes.
9. The role of innovation in internationalisation, firm development and long-term performance.
10. Contemporary research trends and open questions in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
11. Formulation of the research problem, research questions and conceptual model.
12. Critical analysis of the literature and preparation of a research design or scientific contribution.
Learning and teaching methods
Form of course delivery:
• Lectures
Teaching and learning methods:
• introductory explanation and guided discussion of key theoretical and conceptual foundations;
• problem-based discussion of selected research questions in the field of innovation;
• independent critical study of scientific literature;
• analysis and comparison of selected scientific articles;
• individual research work by the student with guidance from the course lecturer;
• preparation and presentation of a research report or an outline of a scientific paper.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Development of Knowledge and Understanding
The learner:
• Explains and critically evaluates selected theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of innovation in the context of entrepreneurship and firm activity.
• Compares different forms of innovation, innovation processes, and organisational, strategic and technological determinants of innovation, and positions them within contemporary research streams.
• Formulates a research problem, selects appropriate theoretical foundations, and prepares a research design for the study of innovation using qualitative and/or quantitative research approaches;
• Analyses the impact of digital transformation and other contemporary development trends on innovation, firm development, adaptation and competitiveness;
• Prepares the outline of an original research contribution in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, suitable for academic discussion and further development into a scientific publication.
Ethical issues:
Acquires an understanding of the broader social, developmental and ethical issues related to innovation, especially from the perspective of the responsible development of new solutions, the impact of technology on business and society, and the importance of critical and responsible scientific judgement.
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
The learner:
Analysis: with critical awareness, analyses contemporary theories, concepts and empirical findings in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship and assesses their relevance for addressing different research problems.
Synthesis: integrates different theoretical perspectives and empirical insights and, on this basis, develops new research interpretations, conceptual frameworks and starting points for further investigation of innovation in the entrepreneurial context.
Evaluation and application: critically evaluates the appropriateness of research approaches, methods and data sources and is able to apply them in independent research, model development and explanation of phenomena related to innovation in firms..
Key / Transferable Skills
The learner:
• Develops the ability for critical and independent scientific thinking and for well-argued academic discussion.
• Is able to independently identify, structure and research complex problems in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Develops the ability to synthesise scientific sources, prepare research designs, develop conceptual models, and communicate research findings clearly and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Is capable of participating in research teams, leading scholarly discussion, and independently and responsibly pursuing further research in the field of innovation in the entrepreneurial context..
Management of information: Is able to independently search for, select, critically evaluate and meaningfully use relevant scientific sources, data and research findings in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Autonomy: Is capable of independent research work, critical reflection on own findings, and the development of original research contributions. Is able to communicate research problems, procedures and results clearly and to act as a competent interlocutor in academic and professional environments.
Practical Skills
Application of skills: is able to apply advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge to research problems related to innovation in firms and entrepreneurial activity.
Autonomyand responsibility: is able to independently and responsibly plan and carry out research tasks in complex and unpredictable research settings.
Technical and methodological expertise: is able to select appropriate research approaches, methods and data sources, critically evaluate them, and adapt them to a specific research problem in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Readings
1. Tidd, J., & Bessant, J. (2024). Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change (8th ed.). Wiley.
2. Fagerberg, J., Mowery, D. C., & Nelson, R. R. (Eds.). (2005). The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford University Press.
3. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
4. Dyer, J., Gregersen, H., & Christensen, C. M. (2011). The Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators. Harvard Business Review Press.
5. Hisrich, R. D., Langan-Fox, J., & Grant, S. (2007). Entrepreneurship research and practice: A call to action for psychology. American Psychologist, 62(6), 575–589.
6. Kuratko, D. F., Morris, M. H., & Schindehutte, M. (2015). Understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurship through framework approaches. Small Business Economics, 45(1), 1–13.
7. Nambisan, S., Wright, M., & Feldman, M. (2019). The digital transformation of innovation and entrepreneurship: Progress, challenges and key themes. Research Policy, 48(8), 103773.
8. Tominc, P., & Širec, K. (2021). An innovation gap between family and nonfamily businesses: A case study of post-transition economies. European Journal of International Management, 16(2), 294–312.
Izbrani članki iz revij (kot npr. Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Small Business Economics, Research Policy, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Technovation, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research) / Selected papers from journals (e.g. Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Small Business Economics, Research Policy, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Technovation, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research).
Prerequisits
The course is completed successfully when both assessment components have been passed.
Additional information on implementation and assessment • Research paper 50%
• Written exam 50%
