Innovation as the Sociological Phenomenon

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The subject will cover theoretical issues concerning the

foundations of the social understanding of innovation and

sustainable development and the implementation of its

assumptions in policies conducted at the regional, national and

international level. In this context, the policies of the European

Union will be compared with other areas of the world economy.

As part of the seminar, the institutional and systemic conditions

for the implementation of social innovations and the impact on

society and development will also be discussed. The

mechanisms of building and creating social innovations will be

discussed on selected examples.

1. The Theoretical Foundations of the Concept of Innovation

2. Mapping the sociology of innovation

3. The sociology of creativity:

4. A Sociological Systems Framework to Identify and Explain

Social Mechanisms of Creativity and Innovative Developments

6. Key Systems Concepts/Dimensions relating to Creativity and

Innovation: A Comparative Perspective

7. Stages of the Innovation Process

8. The outcomes of social innovation. The sustainability of the social changes made;

9. The role of major actors in the process of implementing social

innovation;

10. Learning and collaboration as the main mechanisms for

implementing social innovation;

11. Social dimensions of innovation- Empirical Results

Compulsory Literature:

1. Baldwin, C. Y. and K. B. Clark (2000, March). Design Rules, Vol. 1:

The Power of Modularity. The MIT Press.

2. Benford, R. D. and D. A. Snow (2000). Framing processes and

social movements: An overview and assessment. Annual Review of

Sociology 26(1), 611–639.

3. Burt, R. (1991). Structural holes: The social structure of

competition. Cambrdige, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

4. Weisberg R.W., Creativity: Understanding Innovation in Problem

Solving, Science, Invention, and the Arts. Hoboken, N.J.: John

Wiley & Sons, 2006.

Supplementary literature:

1. Burt, R. (1991). Structural holes: The social structure of

competition. Cambrdige, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

2. Weisberg R.W., Creativity: Understanding Innovation in Problem

Solving, Science, Invention, and the Arts. Hoboken, N.J.: John

Wiley & Sons, 2006

KP7_WG1 has a thorough knowledge of the specifics of sociological terminology and is able to define sociological terms independently

KP7_WG4 has thorough knowledge of different theoretical approaches that explain the essence of social structures and relations between them

KP7_WG5 has thorough knowledge of cultural diversity and its consequences for the functioning of social and political structures

KP7_WG6 has thorough knowledge of communication and media relations in modern society in sociological, cultural, political and economic aspects

KP7_WK1 has thorough knowledge of the functioning of economic, political and religious structures in the contemporary world

KP7_UW2 is able to critically evaluate data, formulate own opinions, draw conclusions from analysis

KP7_UK1 is able to relate critically to the consequences of social and cultural changes

KP7_UK2 has advanced skills of substantive argumentation using the views of various authors and formulating conclusions in scientific works (essays, annual and semester works)

KP7_UK3 is able to prepare an oral statement on a given topic related to the studied issues with the use of sociological sources

KP7_KO1 has a thorough awareness of the importance of sociological knowledge in solving social problems, is open to knowledge dissemination

Requirements:

Class Attendance

Term paper, reviewing a chosen area of innovation: each student is required to prepare a term paper (7-10 pages). The initial form of the term paper (showing the main points and data) should be prepared as a PowerPoint presentation.