Module: Innovation Economics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Innovation Economics
Module Code	ECO1019 (ITS: EF338)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Science, technology, and innovation in its different forms and facets are the driving force behind long-term economic growth. This course introduces the major topics of economic analysis of innovation. The module will cover the measurement of innovation, productivity and growth and will provide students with an understanding of key factors driving innovation activities, barriers to these activities, how innovation diffuses, and how it affects the economy. The module will consider how different market structures shape innovation and how public policies can help drive innovative activities. Throughout the module will mix the theoretical insights with practical applications in the firm and for policymakers

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E37C877-2874-0001-55D3-56B013635350
2. be able to explain key concepts related to the economics of science and technology
5. 1
6. 1E37C877-2EAC-0001-3981-284010A4144A
7. demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of the microeconomics and macroeconomics of innovation and the links between the two
10. 2
11. 1E37C877-3F94-0001-B199-E0D811C014D4
12. gain frameworks and tools to understand key-issues in this field e.g. how do we measure innovation? How do firms exploit innovation in different sectors?
15. 3
16. 1E37C877-468C-0001-653D-E36D967035F0
17. be able to apply simple theoretical and empirical models to the analysis of economic and policy issues related to innovation;
20. 4

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	50	No Description
Assignment Completion	51	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20254	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	50%	Examination Weight	50%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Dáire Crotty	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Past innovation reflective assessment	50%	n/a
Formal Examination	Essay types of questions	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative content
• What is Innovation? Foundation of Innovation economics. • Intellectual property and knowledge spillovers. • Market failure and innovation policy: • The measurement of innovation, productivity, and growth. • Product, process, and cumulative innovations. • The role of innovation in economic growth models and innovation and globalisation. • Innovation and firms dynamics: Innovation & market power and market structure. • The market for technology: Value of innovation & patent races and strategic investment in R&D. • Networks & network effects. • Diffusion and social returns of innovation; • Institutions and Innovation .

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None