Description, literature & exam:
Part I: Cooperation and competition
Martin Schweinsberg (Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at ESMT Berlin)
Cooperation and competition are fundamental aspects of social life. This part of the course draws on literatures in social psychology and other behavioral sciences that speak to this basic tension. We will learn about the origins of cooperation and competition, and discuss theoretical lenses that shed light on cooperation and competition. Subsequent sessions address causes and consequences of cooperation and competition such as trust & fairness, and power & status. Finally, we discuss how micromotives can result in intergroup conflict, how and why conflict escalates, and how intergroup conflict might be resolved.
Part II: Innovation, intellectual property rights and the market for technology
Stefan Wagner (Professor of Strategy and Innovation at ESMT Berlin)
The second part of the course offers a comprehensive exploration of different dimensions of innovation, delving into its underlying economic mechanisms. Students embark on a journey from understanding the foundational definitions of innovation to the complex dynamics of National Innovation Systems and the role of R&D as key driver of technological innovation. The curriculum emphasizes the incentives driving profit-maximizing agents towards innovative endeavors and critically examines the efficiency of market-based mechanisms in fostering optimal innovation levels. Integral to the course are readings that provide a robust theoretical framework and rigorous empirical tests. Additionally, the course delves into intellectual property rights, the cumulative nature of innovation, the challenges posed by patent thickets, and the nuances of patent data. Through a blend of theoretical discussions and practical data workshops, students are equipped with a holistic understanding of innovation's pivotal role in economic growth and management.
For details, please refer to the syllabus of Part I and Part II.
Time & venue:
Lectures: Thursdays, 09:00-12:00; see schedule for course venue
