Innovation for Sustainability (849N1)
Innovation for Sustainability
Module 849N1
Module details for 2026/27.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
The module aims to familiarise students with historical and contemporary debates around innovation and sustainable development, and to equip them with a capacity for critical analysis and practical understanding around how innovation theory may be applied to real-world sustainability challenges. The module introduces theories on sustainability, growth and competitiveness (with specific reference to the role of technology), approaches to understanding and influencing directions of innovation (both in firms and grassroots contexts), the design of policy instruments and policy mixes to promote such innovations and overcome barriers to their diffusion, and also debates around sustainability transitions and transformations. It finally engages with the challenges of international co-ordination through the Sustainable Development Goals, and regulation and governance of sustainability-oriented innovation within the multilateral trading system (World Trade Organisation). It illustrates these topics with reference to cases drawn from the agriculture, manufacturing, housing, mobility and energy sectors.
Module learning outcomes
Command a good knowledge and critically evaluate the key theoretical perspectives on innovation and the environment.
Be able to apply concepts from innovation theory in analysing a range of contemporary environmental policy problems
Be able to research the innovation dimensions of a contemporary environmental problem using a mix of academic and policy literature.
Demonstrate the understanding and intellectual skills identified in (1) (2) and (3) above by means of clear and concise written work.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | A2 Week 2 | 80.00% |
| Essay | T2 Week 6 | 20.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Adrian Ely
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/117878
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