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Management and commercialization of environmental innovations

Course developers

Course abstract

This course offers an in-depth understanding of the management and commercialization of environmental innovations. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage innovation processes and commercialize environmentally friendly technologies. The course will analyze the theoretical and practical aspects of environmental innovations, solutions for achieving sustainable development goals and commercialization strategies. Special attention will be paid to the barriers and opportunities of introducing and spreading innovations in global markets.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
• In-depth understanding of environmental innovation management mechanisms.
• Familiarity with commercialization strategies and innovation market requirements.
Skills:
• Ability to adapt and commercialize environmental technologies across industries.
• Ability to develop business plans and assess market opportunities in the field of environmental innovation.
Competencies:
• Ability to apply innovation management tools to address sustainability challenges.

• Ability to organize and manage innovation projects in the commercialization stages.

Course Content(Calendar)

In full-time studies:
1. Introduction to environmental innovation and commercialization (L2)
2. Innovation management strategies in environmental engineering (L4, P2)
3. Technology commercialization: from idea to market (L4, P2)
4. Business models and their application in the commercialization of environmental innovations (L4, P2)
5. Financing sustainable innovations and attracting investors (L2)
6. Commercialization paths: patents, licensing, cooperation (L4)
7. Developing a pitch presentation (P2)
8. Real examples and discussions of successful environmental innovations (S4)

L- lectures; P- practical works; S-seminars.

Requirements for awarding credit points

• Intermediate exams: practical works (30%)
• Final exam of the course: Independent work and its defense (50%)

• Exam (20%)

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students' independent work will be organized by assigning students to conduct individual research on innovation management and commercialization in environmental engineering. Independent tasks include:
• Literature review – students should explore scientific sources on the latest innovations and commercialization methods in environmental engineering.
• Case analysis – students choose a specific innovation project, analyze its commercialization processes and propose improvements.
• Development of independent work – to develop new innovation ideas and their commercialization strategies, based on the researched literature and practical examples.
• Discussions and presentations – students regularly present progress in seminars and participate in group discussions to discuss challenges and solutions.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Evaluation of study results will consist of:
• Practical works (30%) – evaluated literature review and case analysis, paying special attention to the use of scientific sources and the application of theoretical knowledge.
• Development and presentation of the independent work (50%) – the quality of the innovation project, the development of the commercialization strategy, as well as presentation skills and the ability to argue one's solution are assessed.

• Exam (20%) – a final exam that includes theoretical questions and practical tasks related to innovation management and commercialization.

Compulsory reading

1.Bossink, B. (2012). Eco-innovation and sustainability management. Routledge.
2.Kļaviņa, M., Zaļoksnis, J. (red.) (2011). Vide un ilgtspējīga attīstība. Latvijas Universitāte.
3.Marcus, A. A. (2015). Innovations in Sustainability. Cambridge University Press.
4.Owen, R., Bessant, J., & Heintz, M. (eds.) (2013). Responsible Innovation. Wiley-Blackwell.
5.Trott, P. (2011). Innovation Management and New Product Development. Trans-Atlantic Publications, Inc.
6.Davila, T., Epstein, M., & Shelton, R. (2012). Making Innovation Work: How to Manage It, Measure It, and Profit from It. Pearson FT Press.
7.Tidd, J., Bessant, J. (2013). Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market, and Organizational Change. Wiley.

8.Sarasvathy, D. (2009). Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise. Edward Elgar.

Further reading

1.Freeman, R. E. et al. (2010). Stakeholder Theory: The State of the Art. Cambridge University Press.
2.Horbach, J., & Reif, C. (eds.) (2018). New Developments in Eco-Innovation Research. Springer International Publishing.
3.Karnani, A. (2011). Fighting Poverty Together: Rethinking Strategies for Business, Governments, and Civil Society to Reduce Poverty. Palgrave.
4.Lessmann, O., & Rauschmayer, F. (2013). The Capability Approach and Sustainability. Routledge.
5.Nussbaum, M. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press.
6.Marcus, A. A., & Ramirez, M. (2019). Managing Sustainable Innovation. Routledge.
7.Epstein, M. (2008). Making Sustainability Work: Best Practices in Managing and Measuring Corporate Social, Environmental, and Economic Impacts. Greenleaf Publishing.
8.Von Weizsäcker, E. U. et al. (2009). Factor Five: Transforming the Global Economy through 80% Improvements in Resource Productivity. Earthscan.

Periodicals and other sources

1.Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/environmental-innovation-and-societal-transitions
2.Journal of Cleaner Production. ISSN: 0959-6526. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-cleaner-production
3.International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development. ISSN: 1740-8830. https://www.inderscience.com/jhome.php?jcode=ijisd
4.Journal of Technology Transfer. ISSN: 0892-9912. https://www.springer.com/journal/10961
5.Sustainability. ISSN: 2071-1050. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
6.Research Policy. ISSN: 0048-7333. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/research-policy
7.Technovation. ISSN: 0166-4972. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/technovation

8.Journal of Innovation Management. http://www.open-jim.org/

Notes

Doctoral study programme, optional study course