Science, Technology, and Society in China I: Basic Concepts

Science and technology continue to play an increasingly central role inour lives, not least in countries such as China that are undergoing rapidtechnological, economic and social change. This course is the firstof a trilogy of short courses on science, technology, and society in China.Here, we explore in general terms how engineering as well as scientificknowledge and practice are influenced by dynamic interactions between science,technology, innovation, and society. The course will introduce theinnovation systems approach, laying the groundwork for mastering the remainingtwo parts of the course by introducing broad concepts and ideas to providestudents with a platform on which to think about the science/technology–societyrelationship and related policy issues with a focus on China. Thisunderstanding will then be applied more specifically to China in the nexttwo courses in the series. Part II will examine the impact of the IndustrialRevolution in the West on scientific and technological progress in China.Part III will examine science and technology in Chinese society today andthe basis for the policy prescriptions the Chinese government is currentlyemploying to promote innovation and technology development.