School of Public Policy 590P - TechPolicy & Innov/Common Good

In this course, we will introduce Public Interest Technology, innovation, and relevant regulatory frameworks to provide a foundation to explore the thoughtful design of technology that can serve society while remaining safe for all users and stakeholders. The course begins with examining the core values of public interest technology, such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. We will then review foundational concepts around innovation and strategies, along with an overview of technology governance. An overview of product development models, focusing on Agile product development will be presented along with a presentation of tech governance within an Agile framework. We will then analyze case studies where technologies have either succeeded or failed to uphold these values, examining the societal impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), self-driving cars, digital platforms, and data-driven systems. Throughout the semester, guest lectures from leaders in the fields of technology policy, innovation, and governance will offer insights into how you can bridge the gap between regulatory goals and technological creativity in your future careers. This course counts as an Elective for the CS and INFORM Majors.