Science, Technology and Innovations: Markets, Firms and Policies (752N1)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

The aim of this module is to introduce you to an ongoing tradition of research on innovation and the various analytical concepts and theories that are used in current academic, management and policy debates. It will explore the processes underlying knowledge accumulation and innovative activity within the global economy and review the historical and contemporary emergence of current innovation systems in both developed and developing country contexts. This includes analysis of the science system, technology, the management of innovation, the theory of the firm, the basis for public policy, environmental analysis, and innovation systems approaches.

The module has a key focus on developing understanding that contributes towards practical analysis of innovation policy and management problems, and  provides a range of analytical frameworks for understanding and exploring the nature of public policy and its influence on the operations of business firms and other organisations.

These frameworks include:

• orthodox economics
• evolutionary economics
• science and technology studies
• history.

The economics part of the course aims to develop viewpoint on issues of science and technology management and policy.

This viewpoint is relevant for two reasons:

• it is widely believed that economics provides the rationale for the operation of market-based economies (the predominant form of economic organisation in the world today)
• economic rationales are often the basis for policy decisions in business and government.

It also aims to help you develop a set of specific skills in using economic measures and indicators that inform business and public policy.

 

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.