Delivered at:: Department of Educational Programmes

Course type:: Compulsory course

When:: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Instructors

Zaichenko, Stanislav A.

Kutsenko, Evgeniy

Meissner, Dirk

Ponomarev, Alexey K.

Proskuryakova, Liliana N.

Roud, Vitaliy

Saritas, Ozcan

Sokolov, Alexander

Sokolova, Anna

Streltsova, Ekaterina

Fursov, Konstantin

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The course is delivered to the second year students of the Master Program ‘Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation’ at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE). The course length is 342 academic hours in total of which 96 are classroom hours and 246 hours are devoted to self-study. The ultimate goal of the course is to extend students’ expertise in the field of STI studies: to introduce them to the forefront research topics and practical issues, addressed by experts and academic community; to share the first-hand experience of using different methods for STI-related research projects; and to discuss the typical mistakes and helpful research tips. Equally, the course is designed to assist students in choosing relevant topics for their master research, writing their master theses research proposals (MTRPs), and their further realization in master theses. To achieve these goals, the first block of the course includes a series of thematic (project-driven) lectures of experts in the field of STI studies, followed by moderated group discussions. As a part of this block, students’ projects are also presented. The second block of the course is fully given to students writing their MTRPs under supervision, followed by their defenses within the series of research seminars, organized in groups.

Learning Objectives

To extend students’ expertise in the field of STI
To assist students in identifying relevant topics for their master research, and developing proper research design
To equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for the successful development of MTRPs and further realization of their research projects
To train students’ analytical and critical thinking skills

Expected Learning Outcomes

Ability to identify and describe problems, develop problem solution strategies, find information and data sources and process these
Ability to identify and communicate the form and amount of information needed for decision making; check completeness, process and interpret information

Course Contents

Introduction to the course
Basic guidelines and requirements of the course. Schedule and deadlines. Academic control. Criteria for written papers evaluation. Students are welcomed to share their aspirations and research interests and questions, which should be discussed at the course.
Research basics: a brief tour to research design and academic writing
Research topic and research problem. Research questions types and requirements. Research design and methodology. Academic writing - style and structure of master thesis.
A world to survive in: new social practices for scientists
R&D performance and assessment. Academic entrepreneurship and transformation of researcher’s profession. Big Data Challenge.
Social impact of technological progress
Social transformations caused by digital technologies and overall technological growth. Digital inequality. Social risks and ethical problems of artificial intelligence.
Technological development as a factor of a nation’s success
Technological upgrading and catching-up: factors and strategies. Current technological frontier and positions of the lagging behind countries. Cities as the centers of technological development and innovation. Rural innovation.
Commercialization of R&D results: forms and trends in emerging economies
Evaluation of R&D commercialization potential. Strategies of R&D commercialization. Technology transfer offices. University-industry linkages.
Innovation studies: new horizons
Current agenda in STI studies. Research needs and social challenges.
Academic pitch session
Presentation of students’ projects
Master thesis research proposals - writting
Consultations on individual research projects are provided on request
Master thesis research proposal - oral defense

Assessment Elements

MTRP
MTRP is a brief introduction of a research project designed for a master thesis.
In-class participation
Pitch presentation
Master Thesis Research Proposal (defense)

Interim Assessment

Interim assessment (2 module)
0.3 * Colloquium + 0.3 * MTRP + 0.2 * Peer-review + 0.2 * Pre-defense

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Cargill, M., & O’Connor, P. (2013). Writing Scientific Research Articles : Strategy and Steps (Vol. Second edition). Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=568792
Ligia MUNTEAN JEMNA. (2016). Qualitative And Mixed Research Methods In Economics: The Added Value When Using Qualitative Research Methods. Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law, (9), 154. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.a.aic.jopafl.y2016v9p154.167
Martin, B. R. (2016). Twenty challenges for innovation studies. Science & Public Policy (SPP), 43(3), 432–450. https://doi.org/10.1093/scipol/scv077

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Ben Martin, Paul Nightingale, & Alfredo Yegros-Yegros. (2011). Science and Technology Studies: Exploring the Knowledge Base. Working Papers on Innovation Studies. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.p.tik.inowpp.20111004
Duarte, N. (2008). Slide:ology : The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations (Vol. 1st ed). Beijing: O’Reilly Media. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=412140
Michael Jay Katz. (n.d.). FROM RESEARCH TO MANUSCRIPT From Research to Manuscript A Guide to Scientific Writing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.527E83F3

Master’s Programme 'Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy'

Research Seminar