Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• understand and be able to discuss critically ‘technology policy’ and ‘technology shaping’, and also associated concepts such as: ‘promotion and regulation of science and technology’; ‘social constructivist approaches to technology’ and so on

• be familiar with key debates in these areas, such as: the relative importance of governments, markets and other institutions in promoting innovation; the extent to which increasing public concern about science and technology increases regulation and acts as a brake on innovation or helps shape more sustainable innovation; and whether technology and innovation can be shaped.