Money and Power in the Tech Industry
This course explores the political economy of technology, examining how flows of money and power shape the design and use of technological systems. We will draw on research and theories from across the social sciences to examine the role of social, political, and economic forces in processes of technological change. We will also investigate how the tech industry’s financial and cultural logics shape various aspects of our economy and social lives, with a focus on topics including venture capital and startups, big tech, platform capitalism, AI, automation, and labor-market inequalities. In addition to analyzing the contested terrain of technological progress, students will also explore the institutional, organizational, and policy conditions under which innovation can benefit a broader array of stakeholders.
Topics
- Identify the role of key actors—including investors, corporations, states, and civil society—in shaping the development, use, and governance of emergent technologies.
- Explain the relationship between tech companies’ ownership structures and strategic actions.
- Synthesize empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and real-world case studies to make evidence-based arguments about technology and power.
- Apply social scientific frameworks to contemporary tech controversies.
- Compare alternative models of ownership and governance in the tech industry.
Official roster learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027