Economics of Science and Technology

This volume provides an overview of research on key topics in the economics of science and technology. These topics include the role of patents and intellectual property protection, the relationship between R&D and economic growth, R&D tax policy, government investment in infrastructure technology, public-private technology partnerships, labour market policies, and evaluation and assessment of technology programmes. Much of this literature is new, so the time is ripe for a synthesis and critique of existing studies. The book offers an overview presented from an applied perspective, stressing historical and institutional factors. It should be particularly useful to students interested in pursuing research on these topics and to policy makers who want a user-friendly summary of contemporary studies on the economic implications of technology policy.