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2026/2027 KAN-CCBLV2601U Innovation and Entrepreneurship in South Korea
| English Title | |
| Innovation and Entrepreneurship in South Korea |
Course information |
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| Language | English |
| Course ECTS | 7.5 ECTS |
| Type | Elective |
| Level | Full Degree Master |
| Duration | One Quarter |
| Start time of the course | Autumn, First Quarter |
| Timetable | Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk |
| Min. participants | 30 |
| Max. participants | 30 |
| Study board |
Study Board for Global Business and
Politics
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| Programme | Master of Science in Business, Language and Culture |
| Course coordinator | |
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| Last updated on 28-01-2026 | |
Relevant links |
| Learning objectives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Understand the history of South Korean economic
(technological) catch-up and innovation
• Analyse the contemporary South Korean innovation and startup ecosystem and its unique socio-cultural and economic drivers • Develop insights into the collaboration between Korean chaebols (conglomerates) and startups in South Korea • Compare South Korea’s startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial landscape to other models in Asia as well as Western models, highlighting key differences in government support, market dynamics and cultural values • Investigate the impact of technology, cultural and other related services on South Korea’s education and startup training programs • Apply theoretical frameworks to analyse real-world startup humbs, accelerators and innovation centres in Seoul |
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| Course prerequisites | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Number of compulsory
activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme
Regulations): 1
Compulsory home
assignments
Active participation in the field trip |
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To enrol in the course, draft a 1-page letter and send this the e-mail SB-GBP@cbs.dkno later than 28th of April, 2026 at 23.59. Also remember to sign up for the course through the online registration in the 1st registration round. You may find the registration deadlines on my.cbs.dk under Registration for electives.
This course explores the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship in South Korea, historically and in the contemporary period. Students will examine the broader context of South Korea’s innovation ecosystem. It examines chaebol-startup collaborations and venture capital dynamics, and the government’s role in fostering innovation. In the contemporary period, the field trip in Seoul focuses on three key areas where the country is a global Innovation leader, such as: Smart Cities, AI, Mobility, Digital Play & EdTech. Students will be able to compare Korea’s innovation ecosystem to other Asian countries and to Western models through wider readings and class discussions. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from business, sociology, and urban studies to provide a holistic understanding of South Korea’s innovation landscape.
On the field trip to Seoul, students will engage in practical applications through visits to incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs such as Seoul Startup Hub, D.CAMP, and Pangyo Techno Valley, as well as discussions with experts at universities and research institutions like Korea University Business School, Yonsei University, EWHA Women’s University and others. The pedagogy is primarily experiential and case-based. Students will learn through site visits to leading innovation hubs and startup projects; guest lectures, group work, and Q&A sessions with local entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers; and case studies of specific startups in Seoul.
Lectures at CBS - weeks 36-39: There will be 4 (four) lectures at CBS before the field trip, which cover 1. Contemporary dynamics of chaebol and the startup ecosystem 2. Comparative discussion with other Asian countries 3. Comparative discussion with Western countries 4. Preparation for the field trip
2 week field trip in South Korea, weeks 40 and 41: Group sessions and activities
During the field trip discuss with the students their experiences and reflections from the site visits.
Students need to cover the costs of flight and accommodation, food, transport etc. during the field trip. This is estimated to be around. 16.000 DKK (includes flights, accommodation, local transport, food, miscellaneous)
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| Research-based teaching | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Research-like activities
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| Lectures combined with in-field learning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Feedback during the teaching period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Feedback sessions during field trip | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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