Economics of Innovation

Description

Contents:  Innovation, its drivers and economic and social impacts are some of our most important economic phenomena. Technological change has pervasive implications for the economy and society, but its effects are not fully understood and usually are not taught at the BA level. This course aims to fill this critical gap by providing an overview of the economics of innovation through a selected exposition of issues at micro, mezzo and macro levels. The growth of economies and organisations becomes increasingly based on technology and innovation. The knowledge of how technology and innovation are generated, diffused, organised, managed and assessed becomes indispensable for the full range of economics and social science degrees. The course should familiarise students with the critical issues of the economics of technological change and innovation and strategic technology management.  Topics:  1. Technology and innovation in theories of economic growth 2. Measuring innovation and technical change 3. Patterns of innovation and dynamics of technical change and innovation 4. Microeconomics and management of innovation 5. Innovative firm and industry dynamics 6. Innovation and the consumer 7. Technology diffusion and international technology transfer 8. Technology, sustainability and environment 9. Innovation policy: rationales and comparative perspectives  10. Technology, innovation and structural change in Europe and post-transition economies Module Aims:  •    To understand how innovation impacts the economy at a macro (growth), mezzo (industry level) and micro levels (firms and consumers) •    Be able to critically assess various types of analyses in the area of innovation and actively take part in independent analysis; •    Acquire experience of working in a team on analysis in the areas of technology management and policy; •    Acquire a critical awareness of current issues in strategic management of technology at the firm and macro-level, including issues of the direction of technological change and its sustainability