Introduction to economics of innovation

MGT-303 / 2 credits

Teacher:

Language: English

Remark: Une seule inscription à un cours SHS+MGT autorisée. En cas d'inscriptions multiples elles seront toutes supprimées sans notification

Summary

This class will provide students with an understanding of some real-world issues related to the "knowledge economy". Why should we innovate as a society? Why innovation doesn't just happen and how can the government help firms innovate? We will answer these questions and others using economic tools.

Content

The class is organized in three chapters, covering the following themes:

- a macroeconomic perspective: innovation and economic growth

- a microeconomic perspective: market failures and policy tools to encourage innovation

- interllectual property

Keywords

Economics; Science, Technology and Innovation; Knowledge; Policy

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

No prerequisite needed

Recommended courses

Other courses of the SHS program in Management and Fnance for future Engineers is a plus

Important concepts to start the course

Students are not expected to know economic concepts before taking this course

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Define some economic concepts
  • Analyze real-world situations related to innovation
  • Assess / Evaluate the relevance of innovation policy tools

Transversal skills

  • Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
  • Take account of the social and human dimensions of the engineering profession.
  • Summarize an article or a technical report.

Teaching methods

Formal lectures with handouts

Expected student activities

Students are expected to actively participate and engage in class discussion

Assessment methods

40% midterm exam

60% final exam (during the semester)

Supervision

Office hours Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Notes/Handbook

No reference books needed. Handouts are self contained

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 80
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to economics of innovation
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory

Reference week

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