Introduction
Programme overview
In this programme, you will be provided with the theory, concepts and methods to analyse and better understand the role of innovation in economic, social and sustainable development from a historical perspective. The unique focus on spatial dynamics/economic geography enables you to gain insights on how the areas of development and innovation interplay, evolve and shape the economy in different regions and periods of time. Innovation is fundamental in the process of economic, social and environmentally sustainable development.
You will then be better equipped to understand and analyse the grand challenges such as; climate change, food security and poverty alleviation. Innovation is also about the diffusion and incremental changes that yield economic, social and environmental benefits for society. In this programme, you will learn the dynamics of both macro and microeconomics of innovation. The programme draws on frontline research in the field of economic geography, the economics of innovation and economic history. Some of the key topics covered are innovation for sustainable development, the economics of innovation and energy transitions.
Exchange opportunity with the University of Geneva
LUSEM invites students to apply for an exchange at the University of Geneva during the second year of the programme. Selected students attend one semester at the Master’s in Innovation, Human Development and Sustainability, created in partnership with Tsinghua University, Beijing. This programme is part of a broader collaboration on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including summer schools, executive training and an exchange programme, called the Geneva-Tsinghua Initiative (GTI).
Programme structure
Core courses:(7.5 credits each)
Development of Emerging Economies
Econometrics I or Econometrics II
Economic Growth over Time and Space
Economics of Innovation
Energy Transitions
Innovation and Trade
Innovation for Sustainable Development
Research Design
Globalization of Innovation.
During your second year, you have the opportunity to combine academic studies with practical experience by choosing between Fieldwork or Innovative Practice or Internship (15 ECTS each).
Electives: (7.5 credits each)
Elective courses that can primarily be included in the degree (course details and timing will be laid out in the introductory week):
Advanced Analysis of Economic Change
Applied Time Series Analysis
China and the Asia Pacific Economy
Geographical Information Systems for the Social Sciences
Geographies of Economies: Transforming Places, People and Production
Geographies of Economies: Urban and Regional Planning
Institutions, Economic Growth, and Equity
Population and Living Standards
The Global Economy and Long-term Economic Growth
The programme ends with a degree project (15 credits).
Career prospects
With an MSc in Innovation and Global Sustainable Development, you will qualify for any profession that requires the capability of intellectual judgement, evaluation and analysis of economic facts and ideas, and good communication skills. This programme will give you plenty of career opportunities both at national and international institutions such as the EU, OECD, ILO, World Bank, UNESCO, WTO, NGOs, governments and central banks, think tanks, multinational companies and consulting firms. Graduates are well-equipped for analytical and planning work in the private sector, government and international organisations, as well as for work in non-governmental organisations, consultancy and research.
The programme also provides excellent preparation for PhD studies.
