This course begins by examining how different economic systems (e.g. liberal market capitalism, coordinated market capitalism, socialism, and communism) represent different approaches to achieving common goals of technology strength, innovation capacity, and competitiveness. Drawing on selected national case studies, the course explores how, especially in the context of massive change such as the present-day digital industrial revolution, such systems tend to throw societies off-balance by increasing the polarization of wealth and failing to provide sufficient access to essential resources. In turn, system imbalance leads to populism and extremist political movements. The course then explores how measurements of economic performance that incorporate inclusiveness of opportunity and sustainability are essential to achieve more balanced and long-lasting technology strength and competitiveness. Readings and discussion with instructor and guest lecturers. Students taking course at graduate level are expected to show greater independence in research.
3-4 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course begins by examining how different economic systems (e.g. liberal market capitalism, coordinated market capitalism, socialism, and communism) represent different approaches to achieving common goals of technology strength, innovation capacity, and competitiveness. Drawing on selected national case studies, the course explores how, especially in the context of massive change such as the present-day digital industrial revolution, such systems tend to throw societies off-balance by increasing the polarization of wealth and failing to provide sufficient access to essential resources. In turn, system imbalance leads to populism and extremist political movements. The course then explores how measurements of economic performance that incorporate inclusiveness of opportunity and sustainability are essential to achieve more balanced and long-lasting technology strength and competitiveness. Readings and discussion with instructor and guest lecturers. Students taking course at graduate level are expected to show greater independence in research.
Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.