Teaching
Economics of Technology
Technological change in its many facets is central to an understanding of economic growth; yet, it was not always recognised as such. This module aims to study this key variable at the heart of the dynamics of industrial systems. The course will include theoretical as well as applied aspects, such as the determinants and consequences of technological innovation, its diffusion in the economic system, innovation strategies, the structure and dynamics of high technology industries, the role of institutions and national systems of innovation, and the importance of technological change for developing countries. The perspectives of both neoclassical and evolutionary economics will be studied.
Upon completion of the course, students should have a thorough understanding of the relationship between technological change and the dynamics and evolution of industries, firms' performance and growth and countries' competitive advantages.
Course instructor: Rachel Jafta
Please note that this module is not presented every year, but in alternate years. The module was presented in 2019 and will be presented again in 2021.
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BER Weekly
19 April 2021Last week’s data releases for SA and in particular the US bode well for the GDP growth outlook in 2021. In SA, the incoming data for 2021Q1 suggests that the GDP recovery continued in the first three months of the year, albeit that the growth momentum likely softened further. Nevertheless, relative to the start of the year when we expected a negative...
Read the full issue
BER Weekly
19 April 2021Last week’s data releases for SA and in particular the US bode well for the GDP growth outlook in 2021. In SA, the incoming data for 2021Q1 suggests that the GDP recovery continued in the first three months of the year, albeit that the growth momentum likely softened further. Nevertheless, relative to the start of the year when we expected a negative...
Read the full issue