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Abstract
- to improve our understanding of the role and functioning of IPR’s in a knowledge economy- to recognize its challenges and opportunities in terms of innovation, technological progress and competitiveness- to become familiar with theories and methods used in the analysis in this area
Objective
- to improve our understanding of the role and functioning of IPR’s in a knowledge economy - to recognize its challenges and opportunities in terms of innovation, technological progress and competitiveness - to become familiar with theories and methods used in the analysis in this area
Content
Knowledge as a resource has become increasingly important in gaining and sustaining competitive advantages. Today’s knowledge economy requires firms to invest heavily in R&D and, at the same time, creates bigger need for protection of strategic knowledge and proprietary information. Firms apply various forms of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection to capture the benefits of their R&D investments. Extensive application of IPR, however, provokes opposition, as, for example, illustrated by the fight against software patenting, the Open Source Movement, or the debate about the TRIPS Agreement. The critique on tight application of IPR is primarily based on the argument that it hinders the creation and diffusion of knowledge and hence innovation and technological progress. This course is about the role and functioning of various appropriability strategies in the area of knowledge-driven innovation, such as patens, copyrights and trade secrets. It explores their mechanisms in the context of innovation, technological progress and competitiveness and discusses potential economic and political costs and benefits from a political economy perspective. Selected theories are illustrated in detail on the basis of various case studies, such as software patenting, the use of IPR in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical industries, and in the area of basic research.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Die Politische Ökonomie der Wissensgesellschaft
Does not take place this semester.
Diese Vorlesung wird ersatzlos gestrichen.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center.)
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Compulsory Electives GESS (Categorically all students at ETH Zurich are required to obtain 8 credit points (ECTS) within the frame of this elective course program throughout their studies; 6 credit points during the bachelor and 2 for the master. Some of the lectures are part of other departments’ curricula. Further information can be found in the course catalog or at the particular student offices.)
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