Economics 249SC - Economics of Science

Applications of economic analysis to the scientific research enterprise. Topics include: economics of knowledge and rationales for government support; incentives and their effects on production of scientific research and development; issues in measurement of research output; the role of universities in training, research and development, and technology transfer; labor markets for scientists and engineers; gender differences in scientific workforce participation and innovative activity; contributions of foreign-born scientists and engineers to innovation and economic growth; globalization, competitiveness, and international collaboration; and how government policies can influence innovation and technological change. Case studies in biomedical innovation, open-source software, and clean energy.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors