Seminar: Simulating Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks (An introduction to the SKIN model)

Dozent:innen: Michel Schilperoord
Kurzname: S Techniksoziologie
Kurs-Nr.: 02.149.16911
Kurstyp: Seminar
Format: online

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches

Zielgruppe:

  1. Bachelor Studierende im Studiengang Soziologie (Kernfach) [po 2011, 2016]
  2. Bachelor Studierende im Studiengang Soziologie (Beifach) [po 2016]
  3. Bachelor Studierende im Studiengang Wirtschaftspädagogik (Schwerpunktfach "Sozialwissenschaften")

Stellung im Studiengang:

  1. B.A. Soziologie Kernfach: Modul "Wahlveranstaltung Soziologie (Vertiefung)" [po 2011]
  2. B.A. Soziologie Kernfach: Vertiefungsveranstaltung im Modul "Vertiefungs- und Wahlveranstaltungen 1" [po 2016]

bzw.

  1. B.A. Soziologie Kernfach: Vertiefungsveranstaltung im Modul "Vertiefungs- und Wahlveranstaltungen 2" [po 2016]
  2. B.Sc. Wirtschaftspädagogik Schwerpunktfach "Sozialwissenschaften": Modul "Aufbaumodul Soziologie"

Inhalt

Title of the Course:

Simulating Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks


Overview:

The SKIN simulation model (SKIN: Simulating Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks) is one of the leading modelling/simulation tools currently available to represent the dynamic processes of technological innovation and social innovation in complex social systems. It is an agent-based modelling (ABM) platform allowing detailed representations of a heterogeneous mix of innovation actors (the "agents", for example: big and small firms, research institutes, R&D labs, intermediaries, NGOs, entrepreneurs and start-ups) and their dynamic interaction processes. It is an ideal platform for learning about how knowledge is created, transferred and distributed, how actors collaborate for innovation, models of innovation networks and governance of these processes, collaborations and networks. It counts among its strengths its powerful features for using and refining conceptual models based on robust empirical studies and applying ABM to innovation networks found in a variety of different, real world contexts. It is also a mixed methods toolbox for innovation policy-making, combining empirical studies, computational network analysis and ABM on top of traditional analytical methods. It allows ex-ante evaluation of possible policies, i.e. testing innovation policies in advance.

This seminar offers a course that functions as a broad introduction to the SKIN platform. In the course, students will be introduced to applications that can be relevant to their studies. It will address state-of-the-art, opportunities and limitations of the SKIN approach. It will assist in gaining hands-on experiences for programming applications of ABM/SKIN in the easy-to-learn NetLogo modelling language, building on previously learned skills for programming and social network analysis and moving on to computational network analysis. Other workflow-related skillsets include techniques for working with typical datasets relevant for innovation policy (e.g. patents data, R&D collaborations, research funding and investment), methods for data exploration and visualization, modelling/simulation, and communication of simulation results.


Learning outcomes:

This course covers, on an introductory level, a survey of practical examples of how the SKIN platform can be used for achieving a better understanding of social and economic issues and problems related to technological innovation and social innovation. On the theoretical side, it will provide an overview of the complex knowledge dynamics that SKIN represents and cross-disciplinary, foundational knowledge on dynamic processes of technological innovation and social innovation in complex social systems, with key literature systematically reviewed. On the practical side, it will provide guidance for reasoning about which types of applications may be suitable for application to certain social and economic issues and problems, and how to make choices with regard design and implementation of a SKIN-based simulation project.


Course Requirements and assignments:

Assignment 1: Pre-class preparation

This assignment is about producing excerpts (1 page per text) from the text book.

Each student is asked to agree with the instructor on seven excerpts taken from the different sections of the textbook.

The excerpts will be uploaded on JOGU-StINe five days before the block seminar dates.

Assignment 2: Class presentation

This assignment is about presentation of a topic in class.

Each student is asked to discuss his/her choice with the instructor, and prepare a session from the syllabus. In certain cases, this can be done in cooperation.

Assignment 3: Simulation project

This assignment is post-class work on a simulation project concerning one topic of the syllabus (mostly the one chosen for presentation). The students need to present a short abstract and the contents structure for their project to the instructor 10 days after the block seminar dates. The deadline for essay submission is the end of Summer Term.


Textbook for the Course:

Ahrweiler P., Gilbert N. and Pyka A. (2016) Joining Complexity Science and Social Simulation for Innovation Policy. Agent-based Modelling using the SKIN Platform. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK.
 

Zusätzliche Informationen

Weitere Informationen zu den Vertiefungs- und Wahlveranstaltungen finden Sie hier: https://www.soziologie.uni-mainz.de/pruefungsordnung2016ba/

Termine

Datum (Wochentag) Zeit Ort
18.10.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
25.10.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
08.11.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
15.11.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
22.11.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
29.11.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
06.12.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
13.12.2021 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
03.01.2022 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
10.01.2022 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
17.01.2022 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
24.01.2022 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online
31.01.2022 (Montag) 10:15 - 11:45 Online