The course aims at analyzing the relationship between innovation and modern economic growth that, starting with the technological revolution of the early 19th century, interested European and Atlantic economies first, and wider areas and regions of the globe in the following two centuries. In this context, innovation gets a wider meaning, not limited to technological change. It involves other dimensions too, such as organizational change in production and distribution processes, financial innovation, the emergence of new institutions and regulations. The course focuses on those aspects and on the different “dimensions” of innovation, underlining innovation’s typologies and the consolidation of techno-economic paradigms, as well as their relations with economic growth and crises.
Expected learning results At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. find appropriate sources for their project by looking for and find out the relevant scientific literature and data on a research topic in economic history; 2. organize their material, drafting an outline and a bibliography of their research project following all appropriate academic convention 3. write a research/academic paper 4. present and defend their paper in class
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of general World history, 19th and 20th centuries.
Teaching Methods
The course (40 hours) follows a seminar format, with introductory lectures, and lively discussion and exchange. Students will attend class regularly and do the readings, that they are expected to discuss and – occasionally – to present to the class. In the second part of the course students will write, present and discuss an individual project (15-20 pages academic paper) on a topic agreed upon with the lecturer.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is based on: 30% attendance, participation and discussion in class; 15% discussion of a fellow student's paper; 55% individual project: written paper and its presentation to the class. Assessment criteria comprehend: 1. accuracy in presenting, quoting and discussing the literature 2. accuracy and correctness of paper contents 3. knowledge of the chosen subject 4. ability to critically discuss the subject
Contents
The topics of the course include: discussion of the micro and macro “dimensions” of innovation; technological and organizational innovation and industrial development (forms of enterprise, new industries; their evolution); techno-energetic paradigms and business cycles; financial innovation and economic growth/crises; regulation and institutional change.
Course Language
English
More information
Office hours: see the lecturer's personal webpage
The reading list is available on the course's webpage in Moodle A Tutoring Service is available at the Department of Economics. More detailed information is available at the following link: https://www.uninsubria.it/servizi/tutti-i-servizi/tutorato-dieco
