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Science, Technology and Public Policy
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:08
Abstract
Objectives of the course:- to improve understanding of political decision-making processes in the field of science & technology- to recognize the challenges and opportunities of technological change in terms of sustainable development- to become familiar with theories and methods used in the analysis of public perceptions and political interests
Objective
- to improve understanding of political decision-making processes in the field of science & technology - to recognize the challenges and opportunities of technological change in terms of sustainable development - to become familiar with theories and methods used in the analysis of public perceptions and political interests
Content
Science and Technology Policy is normally associated with the improvement of national competitiveness; yet, it is also an integral part of effective environmental and development policies. The course will discuss the challenges and opportunities of technological change in terms of sustainable development and show how public policy on the national and the international level is responding to this change. Based on selected theories in the area of political economy and new growth theory, concrete case studies will illustrate how particular forms of state intervention and regulation (environmental regulation, tax policy, patent law, anti-trust, North-South technology transfer) can impact the trajectory of technological change and highlight the implications for the environment and society.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Reader with issue-specific articles. E-version is partly available underhttp://www.ib.ethz.ch/teaching/this_sem
Literature
http://www.iaw.agrl.ethz.ch/~aernip/ Dutfield, Graham. Intellectual Property Rights, Trade and Biodiversity: London: Earthscan Publications, 2000. Farber, Daniel. Eco-pragmatism: Making Sensible Environmental Decisions in an Uncertain World. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2000. Kaul, Inge/Grunberg, Isabelle, and Marc A. Stern (eds). Global Public Goods. International Cooperation in the 21th century. Published for the United Nations Development Program. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Olson, Mancur. Rise and Decline of Nations. New Haven/London, Yale University Press, 1982. Schumpeter, Joseph A. Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy. New York. Harper Collins Publishers, 1942. Rosenberg, Nathan. Schumpeter and the Endogeneity of Technology. London: Routledge, 2000. Viscusi, W. Kip et. al. The Economic of Regulation and Antistrust. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2001.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Science, Technology and Public Policy |
|
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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