Innovation: Political Economy and Policy Perspectives

Description

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars.   This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of innovation and its dynamics in a global context. It will explore the determinants of innovation, drawing on IR and IPE theories to examine how and why innovation occurs, and the types of innovation that may emerge from different political economy perspectives, international relation understandings, and institutional frameworks. Part of the module will be dedicated to examining policy evaluation and design, specifically discussing how to provide policy advice that considers the complex societal ecosystem, including societal hopes and fears.   The module will employ case studies to illustrate key concepts and dynamics of innovation in a global context. Through these case studies, students will gain practical insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with fostering innovation within different political and economic systems.   The aim of the module is to equip students with a broad understanding of the processes and dynamics of innovation, particularly as technology and innovation become increasingly central to politics and policy. It seeks to explore the development of technology and innovation through various lines of inquiry and political economy approaches. Additionally, the module aims to explore the practitioners’ perspective, offering students the opportunity to learn how to structure advice and develop practical skills for policymaking.   Each week’s lecture will provide an academic introduction to the week’s topic, building from the introduction provided by that week’s required readings. Seminars will provide an opportunity for deeper engagement with the subject matter, typically through a range of active exercises.   We encourage and appreciate questions about the material in both lectures and seminars. Key objectives include:   Understanding the determinants of innovation and the theoretical frameworks used to study it.   Exploring political economy and IR perspectives on innovation and technological change.   Examining policy evaluation and design with a focus on addressing complex societal challenges and expectations.   Analyzing case studies to understand innovation dynamics on a global, regional and domestic scale.   Developing practical skills for constructing effective policy advice in the context of innovation  and technology and more in general policy design rooted in strategic foresight.   This module is intended for students interested in the intersection of innovation, political economy, and public policy, IR aiming to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of advising and policymaking in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.   Prerequisites: POLS0081 and/or any other modules with an economic or political focus.