Introduction to Innovation Sciences

Are you interested in theories about how innovations emerge, take shape, and spread in society? Do you want to deepen your understanding of innovation as a scholarly field of research?

This doctoral course introduces students to key literature and research in innovation studies. It offers insights into how the study of innovation has evolved as a research field and how various academic disciplines contribute to our understanding of innovation processes. The course also provides an overview of theories and research that address innovation at different analytical levels—such as teams, firms, networks, industries, regions, and nations. Both classical works and contemporary theories and models are examined and critically discussed.

Emphasis is placed on understanding different scholarly traditions and approaches to grasp the complexity of innovation.

The course is organized by Halmstad University as part of its doctoral program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Since innovation is studied across multiple disciplines, we welcome doctoral students from other programs and academic backgrounds.

The course consists of four modules delivered over three months, with home assignments between sessions. Each module spans two full working days and is conducted through interactive, on-campus lectures and seminars where active participation is expected.

Course schedule:

Module 1: Innovation in theory and practice

October 29–30

Module 2: Classical works in contemporary light, Part I

November 12–13

Module 3: Classical works in contemporary light, Part II

December 3–4

Module 4: Current and future directions of innovation studies

December 11–12