Lund University

The Geography of Innovation (15 ECTS)

The course provides an overview of the most popular and influential geographical approaches to innovation studies.

Main point of departure is the ongoing reconfiguration of the global economic and political landscape. Particular focus is dedicated to the evolving knowledge economy. Ongoing trends of the ways in which regions deal with problems and processes of innovation are addressed from a spatial perspective. This includes taking local, regional, national and supranational governance into account. Not least the combination of these levels is stressed.

The theoretical point of departure is a systemic and evolutionary interpretation of the innovation process. Systems of innovation are discussed and analysed, as are the relationships between innovation and economic development at various spatial levels.

On completion of the course the student shall:

- be familiar with the most influential geographical approaches in modern social science, and how these contribute to the field of innovation studies.

- understand the role of spatial context for causality.

- be able to interpret and use a range of theoretical and practical geographical approaches to innovation and regional studies.

- be able to critically evaluate the appropriateness of various geographical approaches to innovation and regional studies.

Core literature list

Polenske, K. (2007), The Economic Geography of Innovation, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Storper, M. (1997), The Regional World: Territorial Development in a Global Economy, New York: The Guilford Press.

Course compendium

Language of instruction

English

Minimum and maximum number of students

Examples of thesis topics

Knowledge Creation Processes in Emerging Technologies: The Case of Paper Displays at Acreo Institute. Thesis written by Juhan Jüriado, spring 2009.

Regional Governance in the Greater Pearl River Delta Region, China. Thesis written by Yee Man Poon, spring 2009.

Tutors for specialization

For a list of staff available for thesis supervision see http://www.circle.lu.se/staff.

Web link

http://www.circle.lu.se

Accommodation assistance

For information on accommodation see:
http://www.lu.se/lund-university/master-programmes/find-somewhere-to-live

Course coordinators

Högni Kalsö Hansen
hogni.kalso_hansen@circle.lu.se

Jerker Moodysson
jerker.moodysson@circle.lu.se

Programme coordinator

Emelie Stenborg
emelie.stenborg@circle.lu.se

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