Innovation and Transformation

Degradation of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, vulnerability of food systems, environmental pollution, pandemic influenza, climate change and social justice are but some of the ‘wicked problems’ we face today. A problem is called ‘wicked’ if it has multiple, interrelated and often contested causes and where no simple solution exists in the form of definitive answers. Energy, mobility, agriculture, communication platforms and healthcare are some of the socio-technical systems in which radical transformations need to take place to address the multiple roots of wicked problems and to advance societal engagement aimed at system change. Innovation is often considered as the motor of transformation and system change. However, current approaches to innovation (especially those focusing on ‘technological fixes’) all too often contribute to socially and environmentally damaging transformation pathways. In the course, we critique linear technocratic models of innovation and transformation. We also learn about alternatives: responsible innovation to align research and development with societal values, social innovation that challenges existing social relations, and degrowth strategies that support responsible stagnation. As most of the foundational literature on innovation and transformation was written by social science researchers in the Global North, we draw on ‘decolonial’ approaches to reflect on the Western biases underpinning the theories that we discuss in the course. To translate theory into practice, students develop a focus group project on a wicked problem recruiting WUR students as participants.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Distinguish and critique theories of innovation and their application to transformation processes
• Analyse and assess the roles that knowledge, expertise and multi-stakeholder deliberation play in innovation processes for transformative change
• Reflect on dilemmas related to bringing modes of transdisciplinary research and innovation into practice
• Apply ‘decolonial’ approaches to theories and studies in research on innovation and transformation
• Learn the skills of focus group research as a transformative ‘bottom-up’ approach for addressing ‘wicked’ societal problems

Assumed Knowledge:
CPT12306 Introduction to Strategic Communication, or CPT23804 Introduction to Communication and Innovation Studies.