OIM3507 Technology, Design and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Systems
4 Advanced Elective Credits
Net zero, decarbonization, climate resilience, and circular economy are becoming strategic imperatives for businesses to design their business models for climate change and social impact. Nordic economies such as Denmark are ahead of much of the rest of the world in transitioning to a sustainable economy via experimentation and scaling of sustainability-oriented technologies and design of sustainable economic systems for energy transition, carbon neutrality, sustainable production, circular waste management, net zero emissions, and equitable mobility and urban infrastructure.
In Denmark a sustainable economic system is in progress, which is circular, unique, and aspirational. Danish economy operates with a harmonious and ethical relationship within socio-ecological systems. As we can learn from Danish and Nordic context, factoring in greenhouse gas emissions, waste, energy, materials into circular models requires novel applications of technology and design to create innovations at scale. We must also employ entrepreneurial thinking and action to build business models that are not only profitable but also acceptable for different agents in economy, society, and the environment. Danish companies are among global market leaders that are adapting to operate in sustainable economic systems and advance new economies like climate tech, circular economy.
In this course students will explore how technology, design, and entrepreneurship address challenges and opportunities in the design, development, and scaling of sustainable innovations from the perspective of systems thinking. They will gain knowledge and skills on fundamentals of systems analysis, finding strategic leverages, and circular innovation development and experimentation with Entrepreneurial Thought and Action® (ET&A) method. During the trip they will interact with business leaders engaged in sustainable transformation of key economic areas involving energy, life sciences, transportation, food, and industrial production. They will learn how these leaders have integrated sustainability in business strategy, tactics, and operations, and how they lead their organizations towards a sustainable future. Students will then apply their observations, learnings, and insights from their visit into creating entrepreneurial and sustainable business practices back in US.
Prior to leaving for Denmark, students will attend two required pre-departure class sessions. These sessions are designed to provide socio-economic and cultural background about Denmark and Nordic countries. We will discuss how an ecosystem of institutions, infrastructure, and markets could build a sustainable and circular system with a systems analysis. They will employ ET&A for ideation and experimentation for circular innovation. They will go over the organizations and the Kalundborg symbiosis that we will visit in Denmark. In Denmark They will also visit historical sites to observe the cultural elements and mental models that build sustainable systems. Lastly, but not least, they will explore the beautiful city of Copenhagen and experience life in a sustainable city closely.