MSc Urban Studies / Course details

This unit explores the spatial dynamics of innovation and its implications for economic development and policy. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, developing critical and analytical skills relevant to careers in policy, consultancy, and innovation management.

BMAN62062 Programme Req: BMAN62062 is only available as an elective to students on MSc IME, and MSc MIDP

Examine how innovation shapes and is shaped by economic, spatial, and policy contexts.

Explore why innovation hotspots emerge and what this means for entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers.

Assess roles of clusters, ecosystems, universities, and science infrastructure in regional development.

Geography of innovation and regional development

Innovation clusters and entrepreneurial ecosystems

Role of institutions and universities

Innovation districts and urban innovation strategies

Policy rationales, instruments, and evaluation

Case studies: Silicon Valley, Greater Manchester, and global examples

Understand key theories on geography of innovation and regional development.

Analyse determinants of innovation-led growth and cluster formation.

Evaluate policy approaches for promoting innovation in lagging regions.

Critically appraise academic and policy literature on innovation and place to identify implications for regional development.

Synthesise evidence from case studies to inform policy recommendations.

Conduct structured analysis of regional innovation systems.

Prepare professional presentations for policy audiences.

Use digital platforms for collaborative learning and research.

 

Communicate complex ideas clearly in written and

Demonstrate adaptability and problem-solving in simulated policy contexts.

Individual Report (80%)

Individual Video Presentation (20%)

 

 

Feedback via Canvas within 15 working days of submission deadline

Breznitz, D. (2021). Innovation in real places: Strategies for prosperity in an unforgiving world. Oxford University Press, USA

Lee, N. (2024) Innovation for the Masses: How to Share the Benefits of the High-Tech Economy. University of California Press.  

Huggins, R. et al. (eds.) (2024) Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Cities and Regions

Emergence, Evolution, and Future. Oxford University Press

Fuchs, G., and Shapira, P., eds. (2005), Rethinking Regional Innovation and Change: Path Dependency or Regional Breakthrough? Springer, New York. Springer e-book: http:

//dx.doi.org/10.1007/b100337.

Feldman, M.P., 2014. The character of innovative places: entrepreneurial strategy, economic development, and prosperity. Small Bus Econ 43, 9-20.

Katz, B., & Wagner, J. (2014). The rise of urban innovation districts.Harv. Bus. Rev.  

Lecuyer C, 2006, Making Silicon Valley: Innovation and the growth of High Tech, 1930- 1970, (MIT Press, Cambridge MA).