Required prerequisite knowledge

General university admissions certification.

For exchange students from NLA's partner institutions: Students must study innovation and leadership, administration and economics, or a related field.

Relevance within study programme

Elective course in the Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor in Innovation, Marketing and Management.

Introduction

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of public policy, strategic management, and innovation processes in the public sector. It explores key policy instruments, significant public sector reforms, and the intricacies of procurement practices. Students gain insight into collaborative projects between public and private actors and the role of Norwegian and European incentive schemes in fostering innovation. By applying research-based knowledge, students develop skills to advise organizations, assess innovation needs, and support enterprises seeking public funding. The course also emphasizes critical reflection on democratic challenges and fosters collaboration to enhance best practices in public administration and innovation management.

Learning outcomes descriptors

After completing the course, the student has the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The Student

• is familiar with key public policy instruments and influential public sector reforms
• has knowledge of strategic management practices in the public sector
• has knowledge of public sector procurement practices
• is familiar with innovation, cooperation and collaborative projects within the public sector and between public and private actors
• has insight into Norwegian and European incentive schemes that support innovation partnerships between the public and private sectors

Skills

The student

• can apply professional knowledge and research-based findings on public-private collaboration to advise organizations participating in such projects
• can critically assess the need for and impact of innovation processes in the public sector
• can locate, evaluate, and reference relevant information and research to support enterprises seeking public funding for innovation initiatives in Norway and Europe

General competence

The student

• can reflect on the democratic challenges associated with public-private collaboration
• can engage in discussions and share experiences with others in public administration and innovation, contributing to the development of best practices.

Content

• Innovation in the Public Sector: Study of innovation processes and their impact on public service delivery.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Analysis of cooperative projects and partnerships between public and private entities.
• Norwegian and European Innovation Incentives: Insight into funding schemes that support innovation partnerships.
• Public Policy Instruments: Overview of key tools and mechanisms used in public policy formulation and implementation.
• Public Sector Reforms: Examination of significant reforms influencing the structure and functioning of the public sector.
• Strategic Management in the Public Sector: Exploration of management practices aimed at achieving organizational goals in public institutions.
• Public Sector Procurement Practices: Understanding procurement processes, policies, and challenges in the public sector.
• Democratic Challenges in Collaboration: Reflection on the ethical and democratic issues arising from public-private interactions.

Teaching and learning methods

In this course, students will engage through a combination of teaching, self-study, and practical activities. Lectures provide foundational knowledge, while self-study deepens understanding through independent reading and research. Case studies introduce real-world scenarios, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to practical challenges. Group presentations foster teamwork and communication skills, as students collaboratively analyze issues and present solutions. This blended approach ensures students develop both academic knowledge and practical competence in public administration and innovation management.

Scope

Approx. 250 hours

Coursework requirements

The following coursework must be approved within the given deadlines for taking the exam in the course:

• 3 case studies or assignments. Group-based. 750 words +/- 15% per case.
• One academic presentation. Group-based. Duration approximately 15 minutes.
• 80% attendance in class

Grading, coursework requirements

Approved/Not Approved

Final assessment

4 hours individual digital home-based examination, containing different kinds of questions which may include multiple choice query, short-answer questions and a case-analysis questions.

Grading, examination

Grading is given from A to E for pass and F for fail.

Permitted aids under examination

All.

Please note: rules apply for all students at NLA concerning the use of AI-tools in exams.

Assessment language

English, Norwegian, or Scandinavian languages.

Practice

None.

Course evaluation

A course evaluation will be carried out in line with NLA’s quality system.

Available as Single Course

Yes