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Institute of Continuing Education: Undergraduate Virtual Open Day
Looking to pursue your love of learning, take the next step in your career or take your first steps along a new career path? Join us for our upcoming Undergraduate Virtual Open Day on 21st May, where we’ll delve into the world of undergraduate study at the Institute of Continuing Education
St Catharine's Political Economy Seminar Series - Hector Pollitt 'Policies to promote low-carbon technological development'
Wed 27 November 2019
St Catharine's College
Talk overview: The challenge to decarbonise the global economy is primarily one of technology development and diffusion. Policies that are popular with economists, such as carbon taxes, will not be effective at reducing emissions levels if consumers do not see affordable alternatives to fossil fuels. Furthermore, without new technology options, these policies are likely to cause social unrest. The solar revolution has given us conclusive proof that policy can influence both the direction and speed of technological development. This finding has important implications for policy makers and suggests that a much broader portfolio of measures is needed than basic carbon pricing measures.
However, successful innovation policy requires an understanding of the innovation chain, right through from basic laboratory research to final commercialisation of products. Accelerating this process requires interventions at each point in the innovation chain. This seminar discusses the role of innovation policy in combating climate change. It will discuss the role of research in the private and public sectors, and the interaction of incentives to innovate with other climate policies.
Cost: foc
Enquiries and booking
No need to book.
Please contact the seminar organisers Philip Arestis (pa267@cam.ac.uk) and Michael Kitson (m.kitson@jbs.cam.ac.uk) in the event of a query.