Innovation and Creativity

This course unit requires prior knowledge of:

BK1 – Management

TM1. Interactive Lectures: Theoretical sessions focused on the structured presentation of key concepts, incorporating guided questioning and the use of digital audience engagement platforms (e.g., Mentimeter).

TM2. Project-Based Learning (PBL): Development of a group project focused on the analysis of a case study.

TM3. Tutorial Guidance (TG): Continuous feedback sessions conducted in small groups to monitor project progress and provide guidance and clarification throughout the different stages of the project.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course unit, the student will be able to:

LO1 – Understand Innovation and Creativity from two broad perspectives: as management activities and practices, and as essential drivers of business competitiveness in an era of globalization.

LO2 – Develop the ability to respond proactively to the constant changes and demands of the marketplace by recognizing the importance and urgency of innovation and creativity in identifying, developing, and exploiting new business opportunities.

LO3 – Acquire knowledge of the innovation process, with an emphasis on aligning organizational culture, people, and organizational structures to foster a creative environment.

Competencies to be Developed

C1 – Innovative Thinking: Identify problems and develop effective solutions to address them.

C2 – Management Literacy: Understand the innovation process within organizations and society.

C3 – Critical Thinking: Analyze perceived reality and support one’s own judgments based on credible information.

C4 – Proactivity: Develop and implement practical solutions in a variety of organizational contexts.

C5 – Autonomy: Carry out individual and group tasks with an appropriate degree of independence regarding their execution and presentation.

C6 – Communication: Develop the ability to present critical reflections in public, drawing upon the practical and scientific knowledge acquired.

P1. THE CHALLENGE OF INNOVATION

1.1. Related Concepts
1.2. Innovation, Markets, and Technology
1.3. Models of Innovation
1.4. Types of Innovation
1.5. Innovation Diffusion and Adoption

P2. THE NATIONAL AND COMPETITIVE CONTEXT OF INNOVATION

2.1. Innovation in Portugal and Internationally
2.2. University-Industry Collaboration
2.3. Technology Transfer and Open Innovation
2.4. University-Industry-Government Collaboration
2.5. Business Incubators and Academic Entrepreneurship
2.6. Sources of Innovation: A Synthesis

P3. CREATIVITY AND IDEA GENERATION

3.1. Creativity
3.2. The Prerequisites of Creativity
3.3. Idea Generation Techniques
3.4. From Creativity to Innovation

P4. INNOVATION MANAGEMENT

4.1. Strategic Analysis of Innovation and Technology
4.2. Technology and Competitiveness
4.3. Mechanisms for Accessing Technology and Innovation
4.4. Strategic Alternatives
4.5. Collaboration Strategies versus Competition Strategies

P5. INNOVATION IN ACTION

5.1. New Product Development
5.2. Intellectual Property and Innovation Protection
5.3. Marketing of Innovative Products and Services
5.4. Innovation Financing

Students may choose one of the following assessment schemes:

A) CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT:

CA1. Individual Written Test (50%): Closed-book examination. Minimum grade: 8.5/20. Mandatory assessment component.

CA2. Group Project (20%): Case Study Analysis. Minimum grade: 9.5/20.

AI Guideline: Level 2 permitted (AI may be used as a writing support and code-drafting tool). Students are required to submit an AI Usage Declaration, including a list of the prompts used and a record of their own critical contribution.

CA3. Individual Oral Presentation and Defence of an Article Summary (30%): Individual presentation and oral defence of a summary of a scientific article identified by the student through the b-on Online Knowledge Library and approved in advance by the course instructor. Minimum grade: 9.5/20. Mandatory assessment component.

AI Guideline: Level 2 permitted (AI may be used as a writing support and code-drafting tool). Students are required to submit an AI Usage Declaration, including a list of the prompts used and a record of their own critical contribution.

Final Grade Formula:

FG = 0.50 × CA1 + 0.20 × CA2 + 0.30 × CA3

B) FINAL EXAM ASSESSMENT:

EA1. Individual Written Examination (100%): Minimum grade: 9.5/20.

Working Student Status: Students with officially recognized Working Student Status are exempt from the attendance requirements associated with CA2. The group project may be replaced by an equivalent individual project, and the corresponding individual oral defence (CA3) is mandatory.

NAO