STEM2005 Innovation in STEM

2020

4.5

1 x 2-hour lecture weekly
1 x 2-hour workshop weekly
1 x 3-hour project work weekly

Report, Plan, Presentation, Video

The jobs and industries of the future will involve innovation, in various arena – from climate change to space, from defence to advanced manufacturing. The topic equips students with different approaches to various forms of innovation including commercial new products, radical transformative innovation to incremental innovation, social innovation and policy change. It includes a focus on problem identification, design thinking, innovation management, intellectual property, advances in manufacturing, commercial viability, partnering and political considerations, negotiation and pitching techniques.

This aims to introduce students to an understanding of the innovation management process. It explores the main issues in innovation management and equips students with the relevant skills to manage innovation. It enables students to explore innovative ideas for a commercial new product, social innovation or revolutionary policy change.

On completion of this topic, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Define the problem or opportunity and identify a solution

2. Identify benefits and applications for the innovation for various user groups, partners, and marketing considerations

3. Demonstrate an understanding of intellectual property strategy and patent searching

4. Evaluate commercial viability considerations

5. Develop negotiating and oral pitching techniques.