Responsible Innovation (LDE)

Minor code: WM-MI-180

The LDE minor Responsible Innovation is a unique collaboration between Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam and is one of the oldest LDE minors. The programme offers in-depth insight into how responsible innovation can be accomplished and promoted. During this minor you will be introduced to the technical, managerial and socio-economic principles that govern innovation, and discuss ethical and other conditions for making the world a better place. You will learn how responsible innovation can be defined and analysed; how it can be conducted at the level of a project team, of a company and of an entire economic system; how to think critically and creatively and avoid irresponsible innovation. We will address the challenges and possible solutions to the problems such as increasing algorithmization of life, promises and risks of biotechnologies, ‘green washing’, inequality and a need for stronger citizen participation, energy crisis and environmental issues.

In this minor, we combine the unique knowledge and skills of TU Delft, Leiden and Erasmus Rotterdam, with teachers coming from Law, Management, Philosophy, Humanities, Science and Technology Studies and Safety, Risk and Security. The students and teachers bring with them their own focus, expertise and perspectives, which helps to generate a valuable and inspiring atmosphere of interdisciplinary exchange. Exposed to a variety of points of views, knowledge traditions and practical methods you become empowered to foster your own creative visions and contribute to social change and innovation.

Whether you see yourself as a potential change agent or want to explore the world of responsible innovation theory and practice, this minor is for you.

More information and the course overview can be found in the Leiden University study guide.​​​

For whom?

The minor is open to all third-year bachelor students of the three LDE universities who successfully completed their first year programme (propedeuse). Students may choose between a minor of 15 EC (courses in block I) and a minor of 30 EC (courses in blocks I+II). 

We aim at students who are passionate about understanding dilemmas in social and technological innovation. The following common features describe our target group: 

  • Societal conscience: you recognize complexities of social life and have a vision of how to tackle ambiguities and frictions in conducting transformation;
  • Entrepreneurial spirit: you are open minded with a flexible and proactive attitude; 
  • Value-driven: you have a wish to contribute to financial, ecological, and social sustainability and regeneration. 

We are looking for a high diversity of interests and backgrounds, in order to have strong cross-disciplinary teams with higher and more effective innovation capacity!
 

What will you learn?

During this minor you will be introduced to the technical, managerial and socio-economic principles that govern innovation, and discuss ethical and other conditions for making the world a better place. You will learn how responsible innovation can be defined and analysed; how it can be conducted at the level of a project team, of a company and of an entire economic system; how to think critically and creatively and avoid irresponsible innovation.

In addition to following thematic modules, you will learn to work on these issues in a multidisciplinary team: a so-called Student Project Group. This unique component of the minor is an opportunity to work on a real-life innovation scenario in partnership with a company, a non-governmental agency or public organization. Among the continuous and past partners of the program are innovation hubs PLNT (Leiden), Green Village (Delft), The WorldStartup (The Hague), Municipality of the Hague, Hivos foundation, RHIA (Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport), In4Art, DCHI (Dutch Coalition for Humanitarian Innovation). Throughout the semester, together with peer students you will learn how to identify the problem correctly, design and evaluate possible solutions. The student project group will be 6EC in block 1 and another 6EC in block 2.

Course overview

In addition to the Student Project Groups, there are six Thematic Modules.

Register for this minor

You can register for this minor at EduXchange. It is not possible to follow only one course, as the minor is a consistent package of courses designed to help you build your knowledge in a logical and connected way. 

Contact details

J. Revelman de Vries