Introduction - Varun Gulati

I am a graduate student at CMU currently pursuing Masters in Engineering and Technology Innovation Management. I am Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and certified Chartered Financial Analyst (L1) with strong technical background. I have worked with clients like Google, Nokia Siemens and Aricent Group. Through Engineering and Technology Innovation Management and Innovation Policy and Processes course I am looking forward to expand my knowledge base regarding policies and how to make best use of them day-to-day business decision making.

In todays’ world it is critical to understand the relationship between science, technology, innovation and economic growth. Innovation policies should be designed keeping in mind effectiveness, efficiency, equity and political feasibility. I want to learn more about policy making through real-world examples. These policies manifest themselves in the world around us, for instance, policies related to Lyft and Uber cabs in USA. Lyft cabs find it difficult to gain gain work permit in some regions in USA due to economic policies and other conflicts. Another example is how electric cars were crushed in 1990’s when their future seemed promising. Policies can be tailored to gain business edge or lose a business edge depending upon how the business uses the policy. This course will help me gauge business through the perspective of economic policies.

The best part of this course is the classroom interaction using the concept of flip-classroom where students are encouraged to interact with others and exchange their diverse views on policies and processes. Since this is an abstract topic, it is extremely essential to interact and learn from others.

Going forward I want to conduct a practical policy analysis of a real-world economic or political problem and suggest a solution based on tools learned in the class and develop consensus and negotiating skills. Primarily I want understand how innovation policies are developed and who influences them, analyze policy analysis and respond to emerging issues in innovation policy.