In­nov­a­tion and Entrepreneur­ship in South Korea

Course content

To enrol in the course, draft a 1-page letter and send this the e-mail SB-GBP@cbs.dk no 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)