Mari­time Di­git­al­iz­a­tion

Course content

The fundamental idea of the course is that digitalization function as an integrator of the maritime eco-system  including customers, competitors, authorities and sea/shore based employees. We focus on the future role digitalization as a critical component in the present and future of a sustainable maritime sector, not only in a technological manner but also as a strategic, cultural and political enabler of change. To analyse the fundamental questions, the course is divided into five parts:

1. In the first part, the students will get an introduction to the academic concept of sustainable shipping. We discuss the differences between a more narrow CSR agenda (Corporate Social Responsibility) and the broader context of ESG (Environment, Social and Government) including the need for economic sustainability. We then take a deeper look into the relation between sustainable shipping and the theories of corporate strategies and business models.
2. In the second part we investigate the relation between sustainable business models and maritime digitalization. In this part of the course we discuss how maritime digitalization have been defined and discussed in the relevant academic literature and in the analysis we bridge these discussions with the insights part one concerning sustainable shipping.
3. In the third part we analyse the relation between sustainable maritime business models and the dynamics of digitalization:  1) Institutional integration (public-private), 2) Technological integration (sea-shore), 3) Commercial integration (company-customer), 4) Organizational integration (past-present).
4. The fourth part concerns the empirical cases of four maritime digital start-ups which have responded to the four dimensions in digital integration on the maritime sector. We invite the start-ups to the class room and disc uss the business models and the possible relation between these start-ups and the development of sustainable business models. The students have been analysing these companies, and there will be a guest lecture from each company: the student groups are "hosts" for these guest lectures responsible for questions, critique and moderation.
5. The fifth and concluding part consists of a mini-conference in which the student groups analyse the digitalization of selected shipping companies, which the students have been assigned to prior to the course. We will end the course with a mini-conference in which the students will present the results of their analysis to a committee consisting of industry representatives. There will be prizes and diplomas for best presentations, best analysis and most innovative ideas.