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Innovation and the Science-Policy Interface

Module description

This module will introduce you to the structure of the science-policy interface: how evidence-based policymaking works and where and how science can support policy makers. You will learn about key energy and climate policy in use around the world. You will learn about decision-making methods (cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria analysis) and how it matters which one is used. You will learn the difference between classical "environmental" economics on the one hand, and ecological and innovation economics on the other. You will learn how to get involved in evidence-based policy-making, for instance through consultancy or international organisations like the World Bank. You will explore innovation policy and its links to climate change innovation.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to cover how environmental policy is made. At the end of the module, you will understand classical decision-making tools such as cost-benefit analysis, and how they may delay ambitious climate policy at times. This is contrasted with systems thinking methods, which can accelerate innovation and climate policy. You will learn about the effectiveness of different policies, depending on the maturity of green tech, for instance the role of government procurement. Leading academics and practitioners involved in environmental policy and innovation research will provide knowledge and experience in current environmental policymaking. There will be opportunities for interacting with real-world policy actors, interactive sessions and debates, as well as gaining practical experience.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Gain a critical understanding of evidence-based environmental policymaking
• 2. Evaluate energy, climate and innovation policies and their effect on the wider economy

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Formulate credible strategies to implement energy and climate solutions
• 4. Critically evaluate environmental governance policies, their implementation, and evaluation

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Effectively communicate ideas on environmental governance orally and in writing for a non-science audience
• 6. Work effectively in groups

Syllabus plan

Led by experts in the field the module will be delivered through seminars and lectures  with sessions structured around debate over a key reading (e.g. a policy document); session delivered by a policy or other practitioner and lectures with key basic material. The specific theories covered will vary according to availability of teaching staff and invited external speakers, but are likely to include:

• The policy cycle
• Methods for policy appraisal (that is, assessing policies before they are implemented) basic environmental or ecological economics
• Key concepts in innovation and innovation policy
• Examples of energy and climate policy throughout the world

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. 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 required to redo the relevant assessment. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Specific readings will be provided for the module consistent with the taught areas of theory for that year but in general you will be expected to read original theory articles or book chapters. A couple of examples are given below but these may not be included in the year’s syllabus. You can contact the module lead in the Autumn semester for details of the theory that will be covered in the upcoming year.

• Crabbe, N., and Leroy, N., 2008. The Handbook of Environmental Policy Evaluation. Earthscan
• Stern, N., 2007 The Economics of Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.

Various reports from the UK government and European Commission

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE

Key words search

Policy cycle, energy policy, innovation, ecological economics