(= I NSC 460) Economics of Nanomanufacturing

Catalog description

Students will examine the pattern of technological evolution in six industries that have been affected by the advent of nanomanufacturing techniques: Semiconductors, Solar cells, Batteries, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) and Biotechnology. A central focus of the course will be to understand the evolution of technology as a consequence of purposeful research and manufacturing decisions made by firms competing with each other. Game-theoretic models of completion will be used to understand strategic decisions made by firms in the industry and the resulting evolution of technology and market structure in the industry. The goal is to equip students with knowledge of the pattern of evolution of high technology industries, and to inform them of:(i) Strategies to adopt as innovators and managers in these industries; and (ii) Policies to adopt as government policymakers involved in using government policies to create desired economic outcomes. Prerequisite(s): A MAT 113.