Tobias Schmidt: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2022

Name	Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt
Field	Energy and Technology Policy
Address	Energie- und Technologiepolitik ETH Zürich, CLD C 12.1 Clausiusstrasse 37 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 632 04 86
E-mail	tobiasschmidt@ethz.ch
URL	http://www.epg.ethz.ch
Department	Humanities, Social and Political Sciences
Relationship	Full Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0609-06L	Governing the Energy Transition Does not take place this semester. Primarily suited for Master and PhD level.	2 credits	2V	T. Schmidt
Abstract	This course addresses the role of policy and its underlying politics in the transformation of the energy sector. It covers historical, socio-economic, and political perspectives and applies various theoretical concepts to understand specific aspects of the governance of the energy transition.
Learning objective	- To gain an overview of the history of the transition of large technical systems - To recognize current challenges in the energy system to understand the theoretical frameworks and concepts for studying transitions - To gain knowledge on the role of policy and politics in energy transitions
Content	Climate change, access to energy and other societal challenges are directly linked to the way we use and create energy. Both the 2015 United Nations Paris climate change agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals make a fast and extensive transition of the energy system necessary. This lecture introduces the social and environmental challenges involved in the energy sector and discusses the implications of these challenges for the rate and direction of technical change in the energy sector. It compares the current situation with historical socio-technical transitions and derives the consequences for policy-making. It introduces theoretical frameworks and concepts for studying innovation and transitions. It then focuses on the role of policy and policy change in governing the energy transition, considering the role of political actors, institutions and policy feedback. The grade will be determined by a final exam.
Lecture notes	Slides and reading material will be made available via moodle.ethz.ch (only for registered students).
Literature	A reading list will be provided via moodle.ethz.ch at the beginning of the semester.
Prerequisites / Notice	This course is particularly suited for students of the following programmes: MA Comparative International Studies; MSc Energy Science & Technology; MSc Environmental Sciences; MSc Management, Technology & Economics; MSc Science, Technology & Policy; ETH & UZH PhD programmes.
860-0004-00L	Bridging Science, Technology, and Policy Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and PhD. ISTP-PhD students please register via the Study Administration.	3 credits	2S	T. Bernauer, T. Schmidt
Abstract	This course first offers a broad conceptual and historical perspective on technological and scientific innovation, and then focuses on different modes of policy analysis and their application to policy questions in a variety of areas.
Learning objective	This course picks up on the ISTP Cornerstone course in Science, Technology and Policy and goes into greater depth on issues covered in that course, as well as additional issues where science and technology are among the causes of societal challenges but can also help in finding solutions.
Lecture notes	Course materials will be made available via Moodle.
Literature	Course materials will be made available via Moodle.
Prerequisites / Notice	The course is open to the ISTP's MSc students and to ISTP doctoral students.
860-0031-00L	Policy Analysis Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc.	4 credits	2V	B. Steffen, F. M. Egli, T. Schmidt
Abstract	The course Policy Analysis 1 will introduce important concepts and methods for ex-ante policy analysis. It will mostly focus on the policy content (vis-à-vis the policy process). We will primarily discuss quantitative methods. The course will contain several practical assignments in which students have to apply the concepts and methods studied.
Learning objective	Students should gain the skill to perform policy analyses independently. To this end, students will be enabled to understand a policy problem and the rationale for policy intervention; to select appropriate impact categories and methods to address a policy problem through policy analysis; to assess policy alternatives, using various ex-ante policy analysis methods; and to communicate the results of the analysis.
Content	The course has four major topics: •Rationales for public policy in Science and Technology •Impact of policies on firms and investors •Impacts of policies on socio-technical systems •Impact of policies on society at large
860-0100-00L	Doctoral Colloquium in Public Policy Only PhD students. Permission from lecturers is required.	1 credit	1K	M. Krauser, T. Bernauer, R. Garrett, T. Schmidt, B. Steffen
Abstract	In this colloquium, doctoral students present their research plan within the first year of their doctorate, which is reviewed by three professors affiliated with the ISTP and commented on by the peer students registered in the colloquium. We recommend attending the colloquium for two semesters and present the research plan in the second semester.
Learning objective	Obtain feedback on research ideas the doctoral research plan and have the research plan approved by three faculty, as required by ETH Zurich.
Content	Doctoral students (typically affiliated with the ISTP or groups of ISTP members) attend this colloquium for one to two semesters. During the first (voluntary) semester they present their preliminary research ideas. During the second (obligatory) semester, they present their research plan, which is reviewed by three professors affiliated with the ISTP. The research plan should not be longer than 20 pages (references excluded). The second semester will be credited with 1 ECTS. All students are supposed to read and comment on their peers’ research ideas and plans throughout both semesters. The results of the review are submitted to the doctoral committee of D-GESS or other ETH departments where ISTP-affiliated doctoral students intend to graduate.
876-0101-00L	Economic Foundations for Policy Analysis Only for CAS in Technology and Public Policy: Impact Analysis and MAS in Technology and Public Policy	3 credits	3G	T. Schmidt, J.‑E. Sturm
Abstract	Markets play an important function in modern societies by allocating resources and capital. Yet, important market failures require the intervention of public policy. This module introduces the fundamentals of micro- and macro-economics and thereby lays the foundation for the economic assessment of policy interventions.
Learning objective	How Markets Function (Microeconomics): Participants (1) understand basic principles, problems and approaches in microeconomics, (2) can analyse and explain simple economic principles in a market using supply and demand graphs, (3) can contrast different market structures and describe firm and consumer behaviour, (4) can identify market failures such as externalities related to market activities and illustrate how these affect the economy as a whole, (5) can address utility maximization and cost minimization problems. How Economic Systems Function (Macroeconomics): Participants understand (1) the behaviour of macroeconomic variables, such as gross domestic product, unemployment and inflation rates, (2) why national economic activity fluctuates, (3) what economic policy can do against unemployment and inflation, (4) what significance international economic relations have for specific countries, such as Switzerland.
Literature	Course materials can be found on Moodle.
876-0201-00L	Technology and Policy Analysis	8 credits	5G	T. Schmidt, E. Ash, F. M. Egli, R. Garrett, M. Leese, A. Rom, B. Steffen
Abstract	Technologies substantially affect the way we live and how our societies function. Technological change, i.e. the innovation and diffusion of new technologies, is a fundamental driver of economic growth but can also have detrimental side effects. This module introduces methods to assess technology-related policy alternatives and to analyse how policies affect technological changes and society.
Learning objective	Introduction: Participants understand (1) what ex ante and ex post policy impact analysis is, (2) in what forms and with what methods they can be undertaken, (3) why they are important for evidence-based policy-making. Analysis of Policy and Technology Options: Participants understand (1) how to perform policy analyses related to technology; (2) a policy problem and the rationale for policy intervention; (3) how to select appropriate impact categories and methods to address a policy problem through policy analysis; (4) how to assess policy alternatives, using various ex ante policy analysis methods; (5) and how to communicate the results of the analysis. Evaluation of Policy Outcomes: Participants understand (1) when and why policy outcomes can be evaluated based on observational or experimental methods, (2) basic methods for evaluating policy outcomes (e.g. causal inference methods and field experiments), (3) how to apply concepts and methods of policy outcome evaluation to specific cases of interest. Big Data Approaches to Policy Analysis: Participants understand (1) why "big data" techniques for making policy-relevant assessments and predictions are useful, and under what conditions, (2) key techniques in this area, such as procuring big datasets; pre-processing and dimension reduction of massive datasets for tractable computation; machine learning for predicting outcomes; interpreting machine learning model predictions to understand what is going on inside the black box; data visualization including interactive web apps.
Literature	Course materials can be found on Moodle.
876-0301-00L	Policy-Making in Practice	4 credits	3G	T. Bernauer, D. N. Bresch, T. Schmidt
Abstract	Effective management of risks and uncertainty as well as communication of scientific evidence to stakeholders and policy-makers are essential for successful policy-advice and policy-making. Hence, this module conveys the fundamentals of risk analysis/management and of writing for policy-makers. Besides an academic perspective, it features practitioners working at the technology-policy interface.
Learning objective	Risk Analysis and Risk Management: Participants understand (1) the role risk and uncertainty play in decision- and policy-making, (2) common approaches to risk management, (3) how to apply methods of quantitative risk analysis, (4) how to communicate risk information clearly and effectively. Writing for Policy-Makers: Participants understand (1) particular prerequisites for successful dissemination of scientific results to policy-makers and the wider public, (2) expectations and needs of different target groups and audiences, (3) how to effectively write policy briefs for stakeholders and policy-makers.
Literature	Course materials can be found on Moodle.