Science, Environment and Development Group

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Research Seminar on
Science, Technology, and Innovation
for Sustainable Prosperity (also STP-502Y)
(2004-2005)

Time and place: Tuesdays, 10:10-11:30 am (Spring 2005 semester), beginning 8 February 2005, alternating between the Perkins Room (R-415, 4th Floor, Rubenstein Building (formerly Eliot Building)- Map), and BCSIA Library (L-369, 3rd Floor, Littauer Building - Map), both at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government

Conveners: William Clark, Kelly Sims Gallagher, John Holdren, and Calestous Juma

Hosts: Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Program, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (BCSIA), and Science, Environment and Development (SED) Group, Center for International Development (CID)

Objectives: This research seminar addresses the role of science, technology, and innovation in economic development in general, and with respect to the particular problems related to sustainable development. It has three primary aims: (1) to conduct a critical survey of the classic research literature and development of theory in the field of science, technology, innovation, and public policy in order to provide all participants with a common intellectual foundation; (2) to identify and discuss the big unresolved questions in the field, the gaps in our collective understanding, the new controversies that are emerging, and the methods that can be productively employed to contribute to the field; and (3) to allow participants to present research proposals and work in progress so that everyone practices shaping proposals, critiquing ongoing research, and how to give and receive constructive peer review. Most sessions will consist of an initial presentation on the topic of the day by instructors or outside speakers, followed by brief commentary on that presentation from a designated discussant, followed by general discussion among seminar participants.

Participation: The seminar is designed for researchers from throughout the greater Cambridge community who are actively engaged in the field. Doctoral students may take the seminar for credit (see STP-502Y in the KSG catalog) and may be able to use it in partial fulfillment of field requirements in the areas of Science and Technology, Environment, or International Development. Highly qualified masters students may participate with consent of the hosts.

Requirements: Students taking the class for credit are required to submit a one-page research plan by 30 October 2004, and a full research proposal by 15 February 2005. The final paper will be due 19 April 2005. In addition to the research proposal and paper, students will be expected to do all the reading, attend all seminars, and contribute to discussions, occasionally as a formal discussant. Participants not taking the course for credit are asked to attend regularly, to do the reading, and to contribute to discussions, occasionally as a formal discussant.

Seminar web site: http://ksgnotes1.harvard.edu/courses/ay2005/fall/stp502y.nsf/workspace?readform

Syllabus: Download the Fall 2004 course syllabus | Spring 2005 course syllabus

For more information: Detailed plans for individual sessions and additional resources are available on the course web site (you will be prompted to login to the KSG Intranet). For questions or further information, please contact Rob Stowe (robert_stowe "at" harvard.edu or 617-496-4265).

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