Business and Public Policy

Catalog description

This class focuses on the interaction and interplay between business/industries and government policies in the U.S. context. We will discuss how different types of public policy, including laws and regulations, taxes, subsidies, and other government interventions and programs can directly or indirectly influence industries and markets, business environments and decisions, economic activities and development, and long-term technological change. Policies to be discussed include antitrust laws, environmental health and safety regulations, technology policy, labor policy, and intellectual property rights, among others. Specific policies may vary according to the instructor. We will also critically look at how business participates in and impacts the policy making process (e.g., through interest group activities, lobbying, and campaigning finance) and the larger societal needs for government services. Lastly, we will explore the risks and benefits of business acting in cooperation with or, in some cases, as a replacement for public policy.