OIM 7508: Technology, Design and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Systems
3 elective credits
How can technology, design, and entrepreneurship accelerate the development of sustainable systems and contribute to the success of climate change innovation and decarbonization?
Net zero, ESG, decarbonization, and circularity are becoming essential topics for businesses to address and integrate in their business models for climate change and social impact. Nordic economies such as Denmark is ahead of much of the rest of the world in transformation to a sustainable economy via experimentation and implementation of sustainability-oriented technologies and design in sustainable systems such as energy systems, sustainable production, waste management, food systems, mobility, and urban infrastructure.
In Denmark a sustainable economic system is in progress, which is circular, unique, and aspirational. Circular economy operates with a harmonious and ethical relationship with socio-ecological systems. As we factor greenhouse gas emissions, waste, energy, materials into circular models, we must apply technology and entrepreneurship for creating innovations for circular economy. We must also employ entrepreneurial thinking to build business models that are profitable as well as impactful for the economy, society, and the environment. Danish companies are among global market leaders that are adapting to operate in sustainable economic systems and advance circular economy.
In this course you will explore how technology, design, and entrepreneurship address challenges and opportunities in the design, development, and scaling of sustainable system innovations. You will gain knowledge and skills on systems analysis, finding strategic leverages, and circular innovation development and experimentation with Entrepreneurial Thought and Action® (ET&A) method. During the trip you will interact with business leaders engaged in sustainable transformation of key economic areas involving energy, life sciences, transportation, food, and industrial production. You will learn how they have integrated sustainability in business strategy, tactics, and operations, and how they lead their organizations towards a sustainable future. You will then apply your observations, learnings, and insights from your visit into creating entrepreneurial and sustainable business practices back in US.