Management of Technological Innovation

(2 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The aim of this course is to examine the driving forces affecting the nature and pace of technological changes and discuss managerial challenges presented by technological innovations. It is designed to provide students with a framework for analyzing industry dynamics of technological innovation, and help students understand how to formulate technological innovation strategy at firm level. Students who are interested in founding technology-based ventures, managing firms with significant technical content, or working for consulting firms / venture capitals in the future will find this course particularly useful. This is a 2-credit course and so we will meet two hours each week. The course consists of two parts. During the first eight weeks we will place an emphasis on analytic frameworks for managing technological innovation. Main topics to be covered in this part includes: Definition of innovation; Types and Patterns of innovation; Source of innovation; Diffusion of innovation; Standards battles and Dominant Design; Industry life cycle and timing of entry. For the rest weeks, we will discuss strategic and managerial challenges involved in managing various aspects of the innovation process at firm level. Important topics includes: Business strategy and technology strategy; Choosing innovation project; Protecting innovation; Collaboration Strategies; Organizing for innovation; Technical Entrepreneurship. During the course, particular consideration will be given to cases, lessons and experiences that are relevant to Chinese domestic firms.