75572 - Green Technology and Innovation

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students will have an in-depth understanding of the economic approach, both theoretical and empirical, to technology, science and innovation. In particular, topics covered include the sources of technological change, the institutions and policies that promote innovation and the impact of innovation and technology on competitiveness and the economy. Case studies and historical examples will be mostly environment- and energy-related.

Course contents

Lecture 1 (3 hrs) Introduction + Green Growth

Lecture 2 (3 hrs) Green Investment

Lecture 3 (3 hrs) Technological Change Definitions + Technological Progress

Lecture 4 (3 hrs) Market Failures in Knowledge

Lecture 5 (3 hrs) Globalisation & Innovation. Deadline for submitting the presentations

Lecture 6 (3 hrs) Demand for Energy Efficiency

Lecture 7 (3 hrs) Presentations 1

Lecture 8 (3 hrs) Presentations 2

Lecture 9 (3 hrs) Energy Economics (historical perspective)

Lecture 10 (3 hrs) Innovation and Behaviour + Review (time permitting)

Readings/Bibliography

Assigned readings and lecture slides. 

The interested student may look for further insights in the following chapters:

• Chapter 28 - Economic Growth and the Environment: A Review of Theory and Empirics. By William A. Brock and M. Scott Taylor. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1574-0684(05)01028-2

• Chapters 2, 16, 20 and 21 from https://www.core-econ.org/the-economy/book/text/0-3-contents.html

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures.

Assessment methods

Written test consisting of open questions

Presentations and assignments

Details will be provided at the beginning of lectures.

Teaching tools

https://iol.unibo.it/course/view.php?id=33625

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Tavoni