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2025/2026  KAN-CBIOO1009U  Innovation Challenges in BioBusiness

English Title
Innovation Challenges in BioBusiness

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Second Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Markets & Innovation
Course coordinator
  • Markus Simeth - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Innovation
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 23/06/2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
The course has the following learning objectives:
  • Proficiency with the main innovation-related terminology and taxonomies
  • Comprehensive understanding of the theories and concepts covered in the course curriculum
  • Ability to assess the promises and limitations of alternative R&D and innovation strategies
  • Understanding of the inherent trade-offs in addressing innovation-related challenges in BioBusiness
  • Familiarity with the key findings of the empirical literature
  • Skills in formulating effective firm innovation strategy
Examination
Innovation Challenges in BioBusiness:
Exam ECTS 7.5
Examination form Written sit-in exam on CBS' computers
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn
Aids Limited aids, see the list below:
The student is allowed to bring
  • An approved calculator. Only the models HP10bll+ or Texas BA ll Plus are allowed (both models are non-programmable, financial calculators).
  • Language dictionaries in paper format
The student will have access to
  • Advanced IT application package
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination may warrant that it most appropriately be held as an oral examination. The programme office will inform the students if the make-up examination/re-take examination instead is held as an oral examination including a second examiner or external examiner.
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Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course offers a comprehensive overview of foundational and advanced topics in innovation management, with a focus on the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Students will learn about alternative innovation strategies that can be leveraged to achieve competitive advantage. Furthermore, students will gain insights into the key trade-offs and tensions involved in strategic decision-making within the context of innovation. The course is structured around the managerial challenges faced by firms in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical equipment sectors. Students will engage in both individual and team-based assignments during class, tackling specific innovation-related challenges. 

 

The course will cover the following topics:

  • Technology strategy in the biotech and pharma sectors
  • Corporate R&D and scientific research
  • The use of external innovation, open innovation, and markets for technology
  • Appropriability and advanced IPR strategy 
  • Financial markets and firm innovation
  • Artificial intelligence in life science R&D
  • Organizing for Innovation
  • Applied frameworks for new product development
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
Teaching includes lecture-style classes, in-class workshops with students presenting and actively participating in discussions around pre-assigned cases and/or exercises, and guest presentations by academics and practitioners. This course will be offered in a blended learning format, both in-class and online. Online sessions can be either pre-recorded or live, or a combination of the two. Preparation before class is of crucial importance. The course integrates the Nordic 9 principles both in the content and the teaching methods.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback is provided through online and in-class quizzes. Additionally, one session is dedicated to a practice exam, during which the lecturer provides detailed feedback. Case studies and related in-class discussions also offer continuous feedback to support students' learning progress. Students are encouraged to make use of office/consultation hours.
Student workload
lecture 40 hours
preparation 166 hours
Expected literature
  • Arora A, Gambardella A (2010): Ideas for rent: an overview of markets for technology . Industrial and Corporate Change 19(3), 775-803.
  • Katila R, and Ahuja G (2004): Something old, something new. Academy of Management Journal 45(6), 1183-1194.
  • Kerr W., Nanda R. (2014). Financing Innovation. NBER Working Paper w20676.
  • Salter A, Alexy O (2014). The nature of innovation. Book chapter.
  • Teece DJ 1986. Profiting from technological innovation: Implications for integration collaboration, licensing and public policy. Research Policy 15, 285-305

 

Additional literature will be announced in the course syllabus.
Last updated on 23/06/2025