Innovation and Technology Policy
| Module title | Innovation and Technology Policy |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEMM263 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Tausif Bordoloi (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 70 |
|---|
Module description
This module is open to all postgraduate students as an elective. It is designed to help you gain transdisciplinary knowledge and skills at the intersection of technology, business and policy. You will learn about the critical role that policy plays in enabling and/or hindering the Research and Development (R&D), commercialisation and adoption of current and emerging technologies and innovations, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and gene editing. The module will also examine key case studies such as the strategic importance of semiconductor chips, Generative AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and 3D printing, including in manufacturing; the proliferation of grand challenges e.g., online disinformation, socio-economic inequalities and environmental degradation; and the emergence of innovation-led industrial policies and transformative innovation policies . By the end of the module, you will be able to appreciate the significance of policy, and will gain competence in synthesising multisectoral, policy-relevant insights in public and private settings. You will also be familiar with major concepts and frameworks that inform the latest policy debates in innovation and technological advances.
No pre-requisite and co-requisite are required. Students should have practical experience in critically applying theories and concepts to develop structured analysis.
This module is suitable for non-specialist students.
This module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Recent recruitment of policy specialists in the technology sector, such as Nick Clegg for Facebook/Metaverse, and Peter Marquez as Head of Space Policy for Amazon Web Services, reflect the increasing role that regulations and policy play in the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. With these developments as a backdrop, this module has the following aims:
First, this module aims to introduce you to the rapidly burgeoning field of innovation and technology policy. As such, the module will enable you to critically research, analyse and synthesise knowledge and actionable insights from the fields of Business Studies, Innovation Management, Evolutionary Economics and Policy and Governance.
Second, the module aims to equip you with a strong understanding of the latest debates and research in technological transformation and innovation. The module will also integrate interactive exercises to strengthen your comprehension of the interplay between technology, business, and policy in stimulating growth in a responsible manner.
Third, the module aims to provide you the opportunity to apply your skills and the knowledge gained during the module to brainstorm innovative business and policy solutions necessary to address major grand challenges, including those highlighted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
By the end of the module, you will gain knowledge and skills relevant for jobs in the technology sector, including entrepreneurs, policy analysts and advisers in industry and/or in government, compliance specialists, government relations experts, management consultants, and portfolio managers in venture capital funds.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Critically evaluate major concepts and theories that underpin contemporary practices, policy, regulations, and debates in the field of innovation and technology.
- 2. Apply theories and frameworks to critically analyse real-life scenarios/practices.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Apply transdisciplinary knowledge critical for advancing societal growth and for accelerating the R&D, commercialisation and adoption of technologies.
- 4. Identify the fundamentals of the interplay between technology, policy and innovation.
- 5. Articulate the importance of integrating equality, diversity and inclusion in technological transformation and innovation efforts.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Apply transdisciplinary analytical skills to comprehend and manage uncertainty and risks posed by financial, geopolitical, security and operational disruptions.
- 7. Conduct research and present critical analyses in a coherent and structured manner.
Syllabus plan
The module will cover, but not be limited to, the following themes:
Theme 1: Macro level/Global level
Understanding the regulation and governance of current and emerging technologies, transnational policies, risk mitigation against major global disruptions.
Theme 2: National level
Industrial and innovation policies, including those interventions that are sustainability- and regionally- oriented.
Theme 3: Organisational level
Corporate strategy and investments as a means to strengthen socio-economic, organisational and environmental profiles.
The module will include materials and exercises that address specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (e.g. SDGs 9,10,12 and 13).
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 10 | Lectures (10 X 1 hour) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 10 | A series of seminars, guest talks from practitioners, and simulations is designed to support the core lectures (8 x 1 hour) Assessment Clinic (2 X 1 hour) |
| Guided Independent Study | 130 | Preparation and research for lectures, seminars and assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class interactive exercises | 1-3 exercises per class | 1-5 | Verbal |
| In-class presentations | 15 minutes per class | 1-7 | Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual policy report | 100 | 4000 words | 1-7 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual policy report | Individual policy report 4000 words (100%) | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Aiginger K., & Rodrik, D. (2020). Rebirth of Industrial Policy and an Agenda for the Twenty-First Century. Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade, 20, 189-207.
- Bordoloi, T., Shapira, P & Mativenga, P. (2024). Industrial policy initiatives in manufacturing: Examining cross-country interventions through an evolutionary typology of technology systems. Science and Public Policy, scae026.
- Edler, J. & Fagerberg, J. (2017). Innovation policy: what, why, and how. Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 33, 2-23.
- Fagerberg, J., Mowery, D. & Nelson, R. (2006). The Oxford Handbook of Innovation, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Jasanoff, S. (2016). The Ethics of Invention - Technology and the Human Future, New York: W.W. Noton.
- Metcalfe, J. (1995). Technology Systems and Technology Policy in an Evolutionary Framework. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 19, 25-46.
- Rogge, K. S. & Reichardt, K. (2016). Policy mixes for sustainability transitions: An extended concept and framework for analysis. Research Policy, 45, 1620-1635.
- Rotolo, D., Hicks, D. & Martin, B. (2015). What is an emerging technology? Research Policy, 44, 1827-1843.
- Schot, J. & Steinmueller, W. E. (2018). Three frames for innovation policy: R&D, systems of innovation, and transformative change. Research Policy, 47, 1554-1567.
- Smith, K. (2000). Innovation as a Systemic Phenomenon: Rethinking the Role of Policy. Enterprise & Innovation Management Studies, 1, 73-102.
- Smits, R., Kuhlmann, S. & Shapira, P. (2010). The Theory and Practice of Innovation Policy: An International Research Handbook, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Stilgoe, J., Owen, R. & Macnaghten, P. (2013). Developing a framework for responsible innovation. Research Policy, 42, 1568-1580.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- MIT Technology Review
- The Alan Turing Institute, Public Policy Themes and Publications
- Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, Publications
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Policy Papers
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Forum on Science & Technology Policy
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 17/01/2023 |
| Last revision date | 15/06/2024 |
