Lecture: The Role of Nature in Modern Capitalism: What is impact, what is progress?

Course Description

Content

The aim of the lecture series is to give participants the opportunity to deal with fundamental questions of impact and progress orientation in today's society, and, specifically, in the development of entrepreneurial innovations.

By exploring the question of how we can ensure that the "ideal" of naturalising capitalism also leads to social progress, we not only impart specialist expertise from a range of related profesional fields, but also give students the opportunity to ask critical and practical questions, exchange ideas and discuss key social issues relating to technology development with renowned academics and practitioners.

The lecture series is divided into 4 blocks that build on each other:

The first part deals specifically with the question of what social progress actually means and how new developments might relate to it. The second part takes a critical look at the question of the extent to which the naturalisation of capitalism can lead to social progress. The third part deals with the potential of nature for entrepreneurial opportunities. Finally, the last part deals specifically with the extent to which cross-species perspectives can meaningfully drive design and innovation processes in practice.

 

Objective

- Learn important fundamentals of the issues and meaning of societal "impact", societal “progress", and the increasingly debated "more-than-human" turn in the design and management of innovation.

- Develop a better understanding of the key themes, and challenges for impact-oriented entrepreneurs in pursuing ideals of naturalizing capitalism, and shaping society-oriented innovation processes.

- Critically analyze the "impact" of new developments that rely on "nature" as an asset for entrepreneurial opportunity, and how such narratives contribute to the creation of a particular social reality.

- Explore the ways in which 'nature' can inspire and inform entrepreneurial efforts to address social, environmental and economic challenges, and contribute to social progress in the design and development of innovations.

- Build skills in critical analysis, written communication and creative thinking with the goal of critically evaluating and actively shaping issues of progress in society.

After the course, students will be able to:

Define, explain, critically discuss, and apply key perspectives related to impact, progress and nature.

- Interpret, classify and evaluate the conduct and performance of any organized efforts aimed to create a society “living in harmony with nature”.

- Describe, compare, and evaluate entrepreneurial strategies and innovation concepts with regard to their potential for social progress; in particular, assess how impact-oriented entrepreneurship can contribute to societal progress.

- Differentiate the newly learned perspectives and innovation strategies from previously learned management perspectives.

 

Previous Knowledge Expected

In general, students from all Schools can take part in this lecture series, but a good knowledge of English, and a general interest in issues of sustainable development in society are basic prerequisites for participation in the course. A willingness to attend all sessions is also strongly helpful, as knowledge of their contents will influence the final grade.

 

Languages

English (primary), German

 

Course Criteria & Registration

For registration you have to be identified in TUMonline as a student.

 

Further Information

An up to date reading list will be distributed around the first session of class each semester.