Economics of Innovation

This workshop introduces the economics of innovation — a field that seeks to understand how ideas are produced and rewarded. We examine the core features of ideas for new technology and how these features underpin intellectual property protection. Real-world case studies are used to ground the theoretical insights in practice.

While the session will introduce the economics of innovation in an accessible format, considering your own context can enrich both the discussion and your response to the completion activity.

• What distinguishes ideas for new technology and why that matters for innovation.
• How the economics of innovation provides a framework for understanding intellectual property protection, based on real-world examples.

Prior to coming to the session, reflect briefly on a project or area of knowledge on innovation.

Short reflection for your completion activity:

What distinguishes ideas for new technology, and how does this influence the ways we protect and share knowledge?

In your view, how might thinking about innovation through an economic lens intersect with — or challenge — approaches to knowledge sharing and protection in another context?