The Analytical Approach and Methodology

The aim of the STS project is to identify the role of technological change in economic growth. While the importance of the relationship between technological change and economic growth is generally accepted, its nature continues to be only partially understood. Certainly, the linkage between technology and economy is complex and in certain respects circular: the role of new technology is crucial, but its impact presupposes that certain general economic and institutional preconditions are fulfilled. While some of these preconditions (i.e., well-functioning markets and appropriate incentive structures) may be fairly general, the structure and dynamics of technological change vary considerably over time and across different fields. These variations are reflected in economic organizations and institutions.