Innovation and Technology Transfer

Code

BUSI4558

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

The module will provide students with a clear understanding of the importance of innovation in the exploitation of new scientific and technological developments and the transfer process for this technology to enable commercialisation. There is a strong focus on technology transfer from universities and research institutes out to industry and between industrial partners. The political and sociological debates about the significance of technology transfer from universities will be considered. The importance of intellectual property and patenting as a key element of commercialisation will also figure strongly in the module. Students will get 'hands on' experience by researching technology transfer strategies in universities, by working through real patents, patent searching, the approach to patenting indifferent industrial sectors and the processes involved in patent exploitation e.g. licensing deals, collaborations and company start-ups. Practitioners in the area, including members of the Business Development Network in the University, will assist with the module at appropriate points.

Target Students

Available for PhD Digital Economy Horizon CDT students OR PhD Sustainable Hydrogen CDT students OR students on the MSc Green and Sustainable Chemistry AND MSc Exchange students.

Classes

• One 3-hour lecture

30 hours of formal contact - Teaching methods will involve lectures, discussion sessions and group work with mentoring. The module will be taught over 1 week (10x3hr sessions). 45 hours independent and group study.

Assessment

• 65% Coursework: 2,500 words individual coursework. Re-assessment: 3,000 words individual report.
• 35% Group Presentation: 15 minutes and 10 minutes Q & A. Re-assessment: 3,000 words individual report.

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
•    The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective
•    Marketing and sales - different approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning, generating sales, and the need for innovation in product and service design
•    Finance - the sources, uses and management of finance
•    Business innovation - creativity, intrapreneurial - and entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of intellectual property
•    The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future

Intellectual skills
This module develops:
•    Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
•    Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions
•    Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills

Professional practical skills
This module develops:
•    The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting
•    Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management. Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring

Transferable (key) skills
This module develops:
•    Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
•    High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
 

Conveners

• Professor Simon Mosey