Theories and concepts of technological innovation and diffusion, economic development, and the role of public and private institutions in technological development at the firm, industry, regional, national, and international levels.
The main goal of this course is to familiarize students with the literature on technological change and innovation, including both theoretical concepts and empirical ones. Themes will cover:
- The relationship between technological change and economic growth
- Technological diffusion and the localization of knowledge flow
- Knowledge spillovers
- Public and private investment and the innovation process
- Technology and jobs
- Policy, with particular attention paid to intellectual property
Suzanne Scotchmer (2004). Innovation and Incentives. MIT Press Cambridge, MA. ISBN: 9780262195157
Students should have had at least one economics class, and enough statistics to understand statistical regression results.
Subject to change.
Class participation/discussion: 10
Paper reviews/reading notes: 20
Midterm exam/project: 35
Final exam/project: 35
Students are expected to do the required readings in advance of the discussion day. Each exam may have a project in lieu of the exam. Some readings will be beyond your ability to fully internalize; I recognize that in assigning them. Do your best. My expectations are in line with your background.
- This is a discussion based class; attendance is a pre-requisite for participation.
- Let me know if you cannot attend class. Follow email protocol—in the subject line: “4414/6414 firstname lastname absent MM/DD.” Put your justification in the body of the email.
- Amnesty: What if I'm not prepared for class?
- If you're not prepared, just tell me that you didn't have time to do the reading. You get one amnesty class for the course.
Notes are due even (especially) if you don't come to class.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcomes:
- Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social or geographic relationships develop, persist or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Intercultural Competence
- Perspective-Taking
- Persuasion