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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Industrial Economics

Revision: 1
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0650-2024


Course syllabus

Economic analysis of technological change

Economic analysis of technological change

7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)

Course code: IY2655
Main field of study: Industrial Economics and Management
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2024-07-23
Approved: 2024-07-23

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2024-05-27. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Industrial Economics 2024-07-23 and applies from 2024-07-23.

2. Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires completed courses in Managerial Economics and Strategy, 6 credits, Firms and Organization, 6 credits and Industrial Marketing - Theory and Practice, 6 credits.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The aim of the course is to develop the student's knowledge of the drivers behind innovation and technological development in business. An additional purpose is to develop the student's understanding of how technologies and technological change affect competitive conditions and strategy.

3.2 Content

The course covers the following:

  • different types of innovations
  • firm-specific and contextual drivers for innovation and new technology
  • market forms, competition, and technological change and how they affect each other
  • network effects and standards and their role in technological shifts
  • diffusion of innovations and technology, as well as "skill bias" and characteristics of technological change
  • analytical models to analyze and manage the effects of innovations and new technology

4. Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:

4.1. Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • explain and provide examples of different types of innovations and their origins
  • describe how innovations spread in the economy
  • explain the basic characteristics and challenges of the innovative firm
  • explain and analyze the relationships between innovation, technological development, and market form
  • explain how modern technology affects competitive conditions in different markets
  • explain the importance of intellectual property rights, such as patents, and "markets for technology" in the modern economy

4.2. Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • apply analytical models and concepts in innovation economics to identify the effects of new products, processes, and technologies on market structures and competitive conditions
  • use analytical models to develop strategies in response to changing market conditions
  • use models for technology and innovation diffusion to model and predict the spread and impact of a new technology in an economy
  • write academic reports based on the course content

4.3. Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • analyze and reflect on how technological changes have created the prevailing market structure

5. Learning activities

The learning activities in the course mainly consist of lectures and exercises. The teaching is primarily conducted in English, but some elements and literature in Swedish may occur.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2510 Written assignment 2.5 credits GU
2520 On-campus Examination 5 credits AF

The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.

The examiner may conduct oral follow-up of written examinations.

The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.

An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.

7. Course evaluation

The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.

8. Restrictions regarding degree

The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.

9. Course literature and other materials of instruction

Baumol, W. J. (2014). The Free-Market Innovation Machine: Analyzing the Growth Miracle of Capitalism. Princeton University Press. Princeton.

Scientific articles of a maximum of 300 pages may be added.

10. Additional information

This course replaces IY2586