Economics 312:
The Economics of U.S. Technology and Innovation Policy
Dr. Al Link
Spring 2014
T, Th: 9:30am – 10:45am
Objectives and Description of the Course
• This is a course on U.S. technology and innovation policy. The historical evolution and
economic underpinning of these policies will be discussed in class in terms of
entrepreneurial actions and economic consequences.
Format of the Course
• This is a lecture / independent research class.
• The lecture portion of the class will be reflected through PowerPoint lectures along with
background materials.
• The research portion of the class will be reflected through an independent research paper;
the research assignment is intended to compensate for missed classes due to my travel
obligations.
• Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate and discuss topics.
Topic Outline of the Course
• Introduction
• S-T-I in an Historical Perspective
• Government’s Role in S-T-I
• Public Sector Entrepreneurship
• Public Policies Toward Innovation
• Evaluation of S-T-I Public Policies
Class Materials
• All of my lectures will be on Blackboard, along with a fluid class calendar
Grading
• 1st exam – 40%
• 2nd exam – 40%
• Term paper – 20%
and,
• Make-up exams are not given under any circumstances
• A late term paper will not be accepted under any circumstances
• No extra credit assignments are given
2
Class Expectations
• I expect that you be in class on time (with your cell phone off) and prepared to participate
in the class discussion.
• You should expect that I am in class on time (with my cell phone off) and prepared to
deliver an organized lecture and to be receptive to questions from me.
• You should also expect that the 1st and 2nd exams are fair and reflect the important points
made during the class lectures.
Office Hours
• Bryan 461 by appointment
• Email: anlink@uncg.edu (preferred mode of communication) – use Eco 312 in the
subject line to ensure that your email is not treated as SPAM
UNCG Honor Code
• Please familiarize yourself with the University honor code.
http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu/complete/
Faculty and Student Guidelines
• Please familiarize yourself with the Bryan School’s Faculty and Student Guidelines.
These guidelines establish principles and expectations for the administration, faculty,
staff, and students of the Bryan School of Business and Economics.
http://www.uncg.edu/bae/faculty_student_guidelines.pdf