👥 Target groups for this course
- Doctoral Students
- Scholars interested in innovation, technology & development
- Practitioners
Leveraging Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In this course, we will examine the evolutionary processes that expand the frontiers of scientific knowledge, 
drive the emergence of new technologies, and generate diverse forms of innovation with significant implicationsfor economic development. Particular attention will be given to the pathways through which technology and innovation contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This line of inquiry is essential, as certain global challenges still lack technological solutions (necessitating innovation), others present multiple competing solutions (requiring informed choices), and some solutions designed for one SDG may generate trade-offs or risks for others, both in the short and long term. In this context, effective governance becomes critical to harness the potential of science, technology, and innovation for societal welfare. Understanding the dynamics of interactions among actor groups within innovation systems, as well as the effects of regulation and incentive structures on systemic outcomes, is therefore fundamental. The course will also explore the specific challenges faced by middle- and low-income countries in pursuing the SDGs, through the study of major technological revolutions including the Green Revolution, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Space Exploration, and Artificial Intelligence.
📚 Course Content
🔬 Technology Revolutions
- Green Revolution
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Space
- Artificial Intelligence
- Linkages to all 17 SDGs
📖 Lecture Themes
Part I: History and Present Environment
- Theoretical perspectives: Neoclassical, Marxist, Evolutionary views of technology
- Impact of technology & innovation on society
- Evolution of innovation generation over centuries
- Linking Technology, Innovation & Development
Part II: Role of the State
- State policies to build innovation & industrial capabilities
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Part III: User & Consumer Response
- Diffusion and adoption of innovation
- The design approach
Part IV: Catch-Up
- Firm-level strategies
- Country-level development
💡 Skilling Lectures
- Conducting Literature Reviews
🎯 Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will develop and improve:
- 🧩 Mastery of core ideas and lessons of the academic literature
- 🌱 Understanding of sustainability challenges
- 🧠 Critical thinking & creativity
- 🎤 Effective presentation skills
- ✍️ Scientific writing skills
- 🌍 Openness to diverse perspectives
- 🤝 Respectful engagement across ages & viewpoints
🖥️ Course Format
- Online delivery
- ⏰ 1 class/week (1.5–2 hrs) over 4 months
- 🔄 Alternating weeks: Lecture → Participant Presentations
- 👩🏫 Instructor: Prof. Shyama V. Ramani
- 👥 20 learners per cohort
- 📝 No exams – one creative assignment
- 💬 Personalized feedback on strengths & growth areas
🧾 Fees
- 🎓 Students in India: Rs 4000/month
- 🌐 Students outside India:
- Fees calculated according to PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) using the World Bank PPP Index
For enrollment: 📝 Registration Link
For queries: 📧 info@Site4Sustainability.com