Universität Wien

290045 SE Seminar in Human Geography: Innovation, Structural Change and Regional Policies (2023S)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 29 - Geographie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 20 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 02.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 09.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 16.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 23.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 30.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 20.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 27.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 04.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 11.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 25.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 01.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 22.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518
  • Thursday 29.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 5A Geographie NIG 5.OG A0518

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Innovation is acknowledged as a driving force for socio-economic development on the regional level, as is reflected in policy approaches such as “smart specialization”. Innovation contributes to structural change, but shaping processes and directions of structural change in regions calls for regional policies adapted to the context of each region. Despite decades of regional policy across Europe, many questions about but how such policies can be effectively designed and implemented remain open for debate.
The course familiarizes students with some of the most relevant approaches in innovation studies and regional policy, introduces the political and economic context for regional development in Europe, and invites students to analyze and discuss political strategies. Students will develop a regional innovation strategy for a case study region, taking into account the concrete causes and consequences of structural change in the region.

Assessment and permitted materials

Graded assignments include a presentation of the preparatory literature (20%), students' participation in discussions and methodological exercises (20%), and a final group poster presentation (60%). To pass the course, students will be required to submit at least one contribution to each of the three assessment components.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Minimum requirements for participation include an interest in economic geography. A significant part of literature used is available in English language only. The course will be held in German. Presentations can given in German or English. Participants are required to be present during at least two thirds of the classes.

Examination topics

Students' performance in presentations and discussions in class will be assessed in terms of critical reflection and application of lessons learned according to scientific standards. These lessons learned include notably theory on economic geography and other social sciences, empirical methods, academic writing and critical analysis of questions related to economic geography. The lecturer will be available to answer students’ methodological questions.

Reading list

The following literature list provides a selection of relevant literature to familiarize students with the primary conceptual foundations of the course. Detailed reading assignments will be distributed among students after registration.

Baumgartinger-Seiringer, S., Miörner, J., Trippl, M. (2021). Towards a stage model of regional industrial path transformation. Industry and Innovation, 28, 160-181.
Benner, M. (2022). An institutionalist perspective on smart specialization: towards a political economy of regional innovation policy. Science and Public Policy, DOI: 10.1093/scipol/scac035.
Blažek, J., Květoň, V. (2021). From coal-mining to data-mining: the role of leadership in the emergence of a regional innovation system in an old industrial region. In Sotarauta, M., Beer, A. (Eds.), Handbook on city and regional leadership. Cheltenham, Northampton: Elgar, 168-186.
Breul, M. (2022). Setting the course for future diversification: the development of a regional transformation strategy in a German lignite mining region. Regional Studies, Regional Science, 9, 581-599.
Essletzbicher, J., Disslbacher, F., Moser, M. (2018). The victims of neoliberal globalisation and the rise of the populist vote: a comparative analysis of three recent electoral decisions. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 11, 73-94.
Giustolisi, A., Benner, M., Trippl. M. (2022). Smart specialisation strategies: towards an outward-looking approach. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2022.2068950.
Hassink, R., Kiese, M. (2021). Solving the restructuring problems of (former) old industrial regions with smart specialization? Conceptual thoughts and evidence from the Ruhr. Review of Regional Research, 41, 131-155.
Rodríguez-Pose, A. (2018). The revenge of the places that don’t matter (and what to do about it). Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 11, 189-209.
Tödtling, F., Trippl, M. (2005). One size fits all? Towards a differentiated regional innovation policy approach. Research Policy, 34, 1203–1219.
Trippl, M., Baumgartinger-Seiringer, S., Frangenheim, A., Isaksen, A., Rypestøl, J.O. (2020). Unravelling green regional industrial path development: regional preconditions, asset modification and agency. Geoforum, 111, 189-197.

Association in the course directory

(MG-S3-SE) (MG-S5-SE) (MG-W3-PI) (MG-W4-PI) (MR3-PI) (MR6) (MA UF GW 02)

Last modified: Mo 08.05.2023 11:28