VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

351-0502-00L 2 Credits
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Economics of Technology Diffusion - Applied to New Energy Technologies

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Eberhard Jochem, Dr. Reinhard Madlener
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:02:36

Abstract

The challenges for engineers, economists and natural scientists in plant operation and administration rise to describe and predict the diffusion of new technologies and products. Hence a basic knowledge in economic theory and methods related to the diffusion of new technologies will be acquired and applied to innovative energy technologies.

Objective

· The student shall learn the relevant theoretical concepts and methods for the assessment and analysis of the market diffusion of innovative technologies and products. · The aim of the seminars is to apply concepts and methods (e.g. experience curves, economies of scope, ancillary benefits, substitution models, demand/supply strategies) to selected innovations in the field of energy efficiency and the utilisation of renewable energies and to get acquainted with the required data sources. · The students shall be enabled to build up an ability to connect to business economics and microeconomics disciplines - as applied to energy technologies - and to further develop their capabilities of addressing an audience and contributing to a focused discussion by giving a presentation and by actively participating in the discussion during the seminar.

Content

For various reasons (e.g. new technologies, resource problems, climate change) it is expected that in the coming decades significant technical change will (have to) happen. Thus, the challenges for engineers, economists, and natural scientists in plant operation and administration alike will rise to describe and, for certain assumptions regarding the framework conditions, to predict the diffusion and chances of new technologies and products. To this end, a significant basic knowledge in the fields of technology assessment, market analysis, cost reduction potentials, and the theories of innovation and diffusion is needed. These basics in economic theory and methods related to the market diffusion of new technologies will on the one hand be studied theoretically and, on the other hand, be applied to selected new energy technologies. This way the student receives a useful overview on the subject, which in many occupational areas - e.g. product development, market observation, technology assessment and policy-making, or marketing - is of increasing relevance in everyday business.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script to the lecture and seminar “Economics of Technology Diffusion – Applied to New Energy Technologies” by E. Jochem and R. Madlener, 1st edition (available from: Mrs. Jolanda Staufer, CEPE Secretariat, WEC C 12.1, Weinbergstrasse 11, 1st floor).

Literature

Selected References: Dosi, G. (1982). Technological paradigms and technological trajectories. A suggested interpretation of the determinants and directions of technical change, Research Policy, 11: 147-162. IEA (2000). Experience Curves for Energy Technology Policy, IEA/OECD, Paris. Isoard, S. and A. Soria (2001). Technical change dynamics: evidence from emerging renewable energy technologies, Energy Economics, 23(6): 619-636. Jochem E. and R. Madlener (2003). The Forgotten Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation: Inno-vation, Technological Leapfrogging, Employment, and Sustainable Development, OECD Working Paper, OECD, Paris. Neij, L. (1997). Use of experience curves to analyse the prospects for diffusion and adoption of renewable energy technology, Energy Policy, 23(13): 1099-1107. Rogers, E. M. (1995). Diffusion of Innovations, 4th Ed., New York: The Free Press. Sarkar, J. (1998). Technological Diffusion: Alternative Theories and Historical Evidence, Journal of Economic Surveys, 12(2): 131-176. Stoneman, P. (2001). The Economics of Technological Diffusion, Blackwell Publishers, London. Stoneman, P. and P. Diederen (1994). Technology Diffusion and Public Policy, The Economic Journal, 104(425): 918-930.

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Economics of Technology Diffusion - Applied to New Energy Technologies
  • Fri 13:15-14:00 (ML F 34)
1 h weekly
seminar Economics of Technology Diffusion - Applied to New Energy Technologies
  • Fri 14:15-15:00 (ML F 34)
1 h weekly

Offered In