The Economics of Innovation, ECON 2211 (Online)

Course Description

This course examines the place of innovation in microeconomic policy space.  It does so from two perspectives: the capacity of the private sector to recognize and address productivity gaps with investments in innovative products, processes and methods, on the one hand, and the capacity (i.e., limits) of government policy and program initiatives to promote innovation in their economies, on the other.  NOTE: All Economics courses, unless stated otherwise, must have a minimum grade requirement of C for their prerequisite courses.

Course Prerequisites

ECON 1101 or ECON 1102, or by permission of the professor.

LearningObjectives

• To enhance students’ understanding of the innovation imperative in growing economy
• To improve students’ knowledge of what accounts for the state of innovation performance
• To survey with students the key factors that comprise a framework for an innovation strategy
• To improve students’ capacity to critically assess innovation policy in a global context

Course Materials

Atkinson, Robert D. and Ezell, Stephen J., “Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Advantage”, New Haven: Yale University Press. 2012

Swann, G.M. Peter, “The Economics of Innovation”, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing Inc. 2009

Course Assessment

Component                                     Weight (% of final grade)                            Date

Assignments (2 of 3@15% each)       30                                           Sept 29, Oct22, Nov 19

Research Project                                       25                                           Dec 311:59PM, Atl. Time

Final Exam                                                  45                                           TBA

Conversion of numerical grades to Final Letter Grades follows the Dalhousie Common Grade Scale

                A+ (90-100)        B+ (77-79)        C+ (65-69)          D          (50-54)

            A(85-89)               B  (73-76)            C  (60-64)             F          (<50)

            A-  (80-84)           B- (70-72)            C- (55-59)

Course Policies

General:

Students are expected to use the Student Declaration of Absence form for late or missed requirements, prior to the academic deadline.A student may submit a maximum of one (1) Student Declaration of Absence form.

Note that medical notes are not required, including for the final exam.  Notification, prior to the start of the exam is required, if students cannot write the final exam.A make-up exam will be arranged with the professor.

You may expect that plagiarism software will be used in course.

Assignments (Value 30%): You must complete two of three optional 3-page assignments: each will be based on recent themes; they will be posted at least one week prior to their due date; and, they will draw from readings dealing with the subject. You must use at least one source in addition to the readings; bibliographies are not required; cite text-sourced references and quotations in the body of your paper and additional sources in footnotes.

Project (Value 25%): Drawing on the various components of the course, students will prepare a research study of a firm, a public sector organization, or a non-government organization. A format and rubric reference document will be posted on Brightspace. Your final document must be at least 5 pages in length, as per the policies noted below (plus annexes, charts and graphs, as necessary). A separate title page and a bibliography of at least five sources are required.

The goal of the project is to present a demonstration of the economic theory and rationale for the funding of an innovation (e.g., a new innovative production process, or a new product or service, or an innovative management program) that advances the social, economic or environmental benefits to the firm, the community or the industrial economy, in general.

Final Examination (Value 45%): a required question section, and an optional questions section

All deliverables (assignments and the project) are to be double-spaced, 12-pt font, New Times Roman (with bibliographies and annexes, in the case of projects). No more than 15% of assignment or project texts are to be quotations. Citation protocols APA or Chicago may be used. All assignments are due at 11:59PM, in soft copy, to the Teaching Assistant, on their due date.Late submissions will be deducted 50% of their value, if delivered late.Projects are due on December 3^rd, at 11:59PM, Atlantic Time.

Course Content

Faculty of Science Course Syllabus (Section B)

Fall 2020

The Economics of Innovation, ECON 2211

University Policies and Statements

This course is governed by the academic rules and regulations set forth in the University Calendar and by Senate

Missed or Late Academic Requirements due to Student Absence

As per Senate decision instructors may not require medical notes of students who must miss an academic requirement, including the final exam, for courses offered during fall or winter 2020-21 (until April 30, 2021).

Information on regular policy, including the use of the Student Declaration of Absence can be found here: https://www.dal.ca/dept/university_secretariat/policies/academic/missed-or-late-academic-requirements-due-to-student-absence.html. 

Academic Integrity

At Dalhousie University, we are guided in all of our work by the values of academic integrity: honesty, trust, fairness, responsibility and respect (The Center for Academic Integrity, Duke University, 1999). As a student, you are required to demonstrate these values in all of the work you do. The University provides policies and procedures that every member of the university community is required to follow to ensure academic integrity.

Information: https://www.dal.ca/dept/university_secretariat/academic-integrity.html

Accessibility

The Advising and Access Services Centre is Dalhousie’s centre of expertise for student accessibility and accommodation. The advising team works with students who request accommodation as a result of a disability, religious obligation, or any barrier related to any other characteristic protected under Human Rights legislation (Canada and Nova Scotia).

Information: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/academic-support/accessibility.html

Student Code of Conduct

Everyone at Dalhousie is expected to treat others with dignity and respect. The Code of Student Conduct allows Dalhousie to take disciplinary action if students don’t follow this community expectation. When appropriate, violations of the code can be resolved in a reasonable and informal manner—perhaps through a restorative justice process. If an informal resolution can’t be reached, or would be inappropriate, procedures exist for formal dispute resolution.

Code: https://www.dal.ca/dept/university_secretariat/policies/student-life/code-of-student-conduct.html

Diversity and Inclusion – Culture of Respect

Every person at Dalhousie has a right to be respected and safe. We believe inclusiveness is fundamental to education. We stand for equality. Dalhousie is strengthened in our diversity. We are a respectful and inclusive community. We are committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome and supported, which is why our Strategic Direction prioritizes fostering a culture of diversity and inclusiveness

Statement: http://www.dal.ca/cultureofrespect.html

Recognition of Mi’kmaq Territory

Dalhousie University would like to acknowledge that the University is on Traditional Mi’kmaq Territory. The Elders in Residence program provides students with access to First Nations elders for guidance, counsel and support. Visit or e-mail the Indigenous Student Centre(1321 Edward St) (elders@dal.ca).

Information: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/communities/indigenous.html

Important Dates in the Academic Year (including add/drop dates)

https://www.dal.ca/academics/important_dates.html

University Grading Practices

https://www.dal.ca/dept/university_secretariat/policies/academic/grading-practices-policy.html

Student Resources and Support

Advising

General Advisinghttps://www.dal.ca/campus_life/academic-support/advising.html

Science Program Advisors: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/science/current-students/academic-advising.html

Indigenous Student Centre:https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/communities/indigenous.html

Black Students Advising Centre:  https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/communities/black-student-advising.html

International Centre: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/international-centre/current-students.html

Academic supports

Library: https://libraries.dal.ca/

Writing Centre:https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/academic-support/writing-and-study-skills.html

Studying for Success: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/academic-support/study-skills-and-tutoring.html

Copyright Office: https://libraries.dal.ca/services/copyright-office.html

Fair Dealing Guidelineshttps://libraries.dal.ca/services/copyright-office/fair-dealing.html

Other supports and services

Student Health & Wellness Centre: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/health-and-wellness/services-support/student-health-and-wellness.html

Student Advocacy: https://dsu.ca/dsas

Ombudsperson: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/safety-respect/student-rights-and-responsibilities/where-to-get-help/ombudsperson.html

Safety

Biosafety:https://www.dal.ca/dept/safety/programs-services/biosafety.html

Chemical Safety: https://www.dal.ca/dept/safety/programs-services/chemical-safety.html

Radiation Safety: https://www.dal.ca/dept/safety/programs-services/radiation-safety.html

Scent‐Free Program:https://www.dal.ca/dept/safety/programs-services/occupational-safety/scent-free.html