Science Innov Entrepreneurs

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The United States is widely recognized as one of the most innovative and entrepreneurial countries in the world. The question that this course focuses on is "Why is that?" What is the policy framework that shapes the US innovation ecosystem, that is, a set of policies and cultural beliefs that provide a dynamic environment that encourages risk-taking and invention. Often in the US we focus on the role of the lone entrepreneur, forgetting that they are rarely alone and often draw from government policies, programs, and research to develop innovative products and processes. This course focuses on the intersection of science, technology and innovation policy – examining how our national innovation ecosystem works, with a particular focus on health, energy, high-tech products and manufacturing. A major emphasis of the course is the role of public-private-partnerships and the role federal and state government’s role in the innovation ecosystem. The underpinnings of the U.S. innovation system are examined as are the approaches of other nations to science and technology policy. There is a special focus on the steps needed to transition ideas from universities and laboratories to the market and the respective roles of public incentives that work in combination with angel investors and venture capital. The overall goal is to build a better understanding of the realities of the U.S. innovation system as well as the challenges it faces and the opportunities it provides. The class will conclude with student assessments of policies that could help fill gaps in global innovation and the manufacture of products to meet global needs in health, energy and security--all areas where innovation plays a key role.