Objectives
The goal of this course is to introduce the theories of technology regarding: its place in a society, the possibilities of control, how it changes; how innovation happens and how it shapes the future. The main topics covered are push and pull innovation models; Schumpeterian innovation; risk and innovation; technology diffusion and adoption models; control and regulation of technology; technological startup theories. The course is facilitated by case studies. These may include: history of Kanban and agile methodology; history of AI; industrial revolutions; history of prizes like the X-prize; technological disasters; posthuman technology; internet; GMO; etc. This is an indicative list of case studies, some, but not all of these case studies will be discussed, based on student preference, and new ones may be introduced.
Academic results
Knowledge
- knows and understands the aspects, foundations and terminology of the ancillary topics indispensable to her main profession: environmental protection, quality assurance, legal, economical and managerial fields.
Skills
- applies integrated knowledge, to solve multi-disciplinary problems
Attitude
- open to self-education and self-improvement
Independence and responsibility
- open to self-education and self-improvement
Teaching methodology
lecture and guided discussion
Materials supporting learning
- Rudi Volti: Society and Technological Change, Worth Publishers 2017.
- Joel Mokyr: Levers of Riches, Oxford University Press, 1990.
- COLLINGRIDGE, David. The social control of technology. (1982). ISBN: 978-0312731687
General Rules
The learning outcomes detailed in 2.2. are measured based on two midterm exams and activity on the lectures.
Performance assessment methods
Two midterm exams, one in the middle of the semester, another at the end of the semester, complemented by extra points earned during lectures.
Percentage of performance assessments, conducted during the study period, within the rating
- Two midterm exams: 80
- Extra points earned on lecture: 20
Percentage of exam elements within the rating
Conditions for obtaining a signature, validity of the signature
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Issuing grades
| % | |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 94-100-100 |
| Very good | 88-93 |
| Good | 75-87 |
| Satisfactory | 61-74 |
| Pass | 50-60 |
| Fail | 0-49 |
Retake and late completion
The two midterms may be re-taken during the retake period. In case of an improved score, the better score is taken into account.
Coursework required for the completion of the subject
| Nature of work | Number of sessions per term |
|---|---|
| classroom work / tantermi munka | 28 |
| homework / házi feladat | 32 |
Approval and validity of subject requirements
Consulted with the Faculty Student Representative Committee, approved by the Vice Dean for Education, valid from: 02.05.2022.
Topics covered during the term
- Push & Pull; - Gartner and other cycles. - Shumpeterian innovation; - technological lock-in - technology readiness levels - leapfrog technology adoption; - risk and innovation; - technology assessment 1. Big picture 1: technology and the future of humanity 2. Big picture 2: utopias and distopias 3. Technology as control 1: social dilemmas 4. Technology as control 2: lock-in, technology assessment 5. Technology and a nation's wealth 1: risk, innovation, path-dependence 6. Technology and a nations' wealth 2: cultural factors 7. Technology and R&D 1: epistemology of engineering 8. Technology and R&D 2: technology readiness levels 9. Technology and R&D 3: disruptive innovation and startups 10. Large Technological Systems 1: case studies 11. Large Technological Systems 2: case studies (diffusion 12. Large Technological Systems 3: case studies (regulation)
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Additional lecturers
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