Changing Dynamics of Science and Technology - Finland in a Global Perspective

• Lectures: 0,6 credits
• Readings: 1,4 credits
• Essay: 2 credits

Responsible teacher: Dr. Juha Tuunainen (juha.tuunainen@helsinki.fi).

Language: English

Target group/Course level

Objectives

During the 2000s, Finland has been regarded as a model country in the science and technology policy as well as in the development of high-tech industry. This course will familiarize students with central characteristics and key developments in some of the most important Finnish institutions and activities related to science and technology. Based on the current research by the involved teachers, the course will focus on the following areas: science and technology policy, energy policy, high-tech industries (including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information and communication technology), mass media and university organization. During the course, these institutions and activities will be analysed from historical-developmental and/or international comparative perspectives.

Content

1. Course Introduction (Dr. Juha Tuunainen)
2. Public Debate on Globalization: Results from the Nordic Countries (M.Soc.Sc. Terhi Tuominen)
3. Science and Technology Policy in Finland: From Preservation of National Culture to Promoting Innovation in the Global Marketplace (Dr. Juha Tuunainen)
4. Finnish Universities in Transition: From Humboldtian Model to Entrepreneurial University? (Dr. Juha Tuunainen)
5. From Academic Research to Global Business: Lessons Learnt from Finnish Pharmaceutical Industry (Dr. Juha Tuunainen)
6. Innovation Networks in Biotechnology: The Case of Finnish R&D Company (Dr. Juha Tuunainen)
7. Why Nokia? Development of Finnish Information and Communication Technology Industry (Prof. Martti Häikiö)
8. Course Break: No lecture
9. Finnish Technology-led Energy Policy Vision and Global Politics of Climate Change (M.Soc.Sc. Tuula Teräväinen)
10. Changing Interpretations of Energy Technologies in Finnish and British Media (M.Soc.Sc. Tuula Teräväinen)
11. Integrative Discussion (Dr. Juha Tuunainen)

Completion