Technology Governance and Sustainability
Study programme title in Est.
Tehnoloogia valitsemine ja kestlik areng
Study programme title in Engl.
Technology Governance and Sustainability
TalTech study programme code
HAGM09
MER study programme code
84971
Study programme version code
HAGM09/25
Faculty / college
M - School of Business and Governance
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Egert Juuse
Language of instruction
English
Study level
Master study
ECTS credits
120
Self-paid study programme
yes
Nominal study period
4 semesters
Study programme group
Business and Administration
Broad area of study
Business, Administration and Law
Study field
Business and administration
Curriculum group
Management and administration
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
tähtajatu
No. of the decision granting the right to teach in the study programme group
112
Access conditions
BA degree, higher education obtained on the basis of applied higher education with the duration of 3 years and at least 180 ECTS credit points.
Admission according to admission requirements established by TalTech.
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Study programme aims and objectives
Study programme aims and objectives:
- To give an overview and systemic knowledge of different practical and theoretical approaches to economic development,

technology, innovation, governance, and their interrelationships, while covering also the increasing role and significance of de-growth, green growth, digital transformation and other practices for sustainable development and technology governance.
- To provide students with an understanding of the role of different societal stakeholders in contributing to competitiveness, technological development, social cohesion, and sustainable development and in creating the required knowledge base.
- To explain the nature of innovation and technology in the light of different disciplines, including diverse streams of economics, governance, technology studies, political science and history.
- To develop interdisciplinary skills and prepare: (a) public servants and policy-makers who are able to analyse the most up-to-date issues of technological and socio-economic development, solve wicked issues and contradictions of socio-economic development, and to develop knowledge-based policies to be able to address these challenges, and to run public sector organizations dynamically and in an innovation-supporting way; (b) private and third sector staff capable of analysing the most up-to-date issues of technological and socio-economic development, green transition and sustainable development, and understanding the societal changes, contradictions and opportunities created by technological and economic developments; (c) middle and top level managers in the private and the third sector who collaborate with the public sector to understand the peculiarities of the public sector, and thus cooperate with the state in the areas of technological development, innovation, and sustainable development.
- To develop students' ability to carry out independent research and prepare them for doctoral studies.
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Learning outcomes of the study programme
Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate:

- knows the basic concepts and developments in the fields of economics, sustainability studies, technology and innovation studies, and governance, and explains the interrelationships between these areas;
- understands the role of innovation, digital and other technology-led transformations in society, public sector, and in the broader context of sustainable transitions;
- outlines the most important factors for ensuring sustainable socio-economic transitions, increasing the welfare of a society, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness;
- presents theoretical positions and criticism of the field-related scientific disciplines;
- identifies the relationships between the theoretical positions and practice, and demonstrates critical-analytical capacities in conducting various analyses;
- independently formulates specialisation-specific real-life problems and research questions, and solves them under the given conditions with adequate methods. He/she is able to critically evaluate his/her approach to solving research problems;
- identifies and knows how to develop capabilities required for managing transforming and innovation-supporting organizations and demonstrates the ability to adapt to complex, high-risk situations by being aware of the ethical aspects, opportunities, constraints and the social role of his/her activities;
- demonstrates the ability to initiate, organize and plan, and has acquired teamwork skills and willingness to work in the field of research or development and broader analytics (consultancy, research and innovation teams), and is able to convey knowledge through teaching, consulting and supervising.
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Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account.
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Degrees conferred
Master of Arts in Social Sciences (Technology Governance and Sustainability)
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
12.0
Core studies
30.0
Special studies
42.0
Free choice courses
18.0
Graduation exam
18.0
Total
120.0
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY 3: Technology Governance and Sustainability
    • +
         MODULE: Development and Socio-Technical Transformations 12.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      The purpose of the module is to introduce the foundations of technology governance and sustainability,
      and to explain more narrowly the basic terms and main concepts of the curriculum. The historical development of the capitalist system, the backbone of sustainable development, the techno-economic paradigms, and the developments that have taken place in them are reflected. The topics covered are technology governance, socio-technical systems, transformations, capitalist production system and techno-economic paradigms.
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      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - defines and explains the core principles of technology governance and identifies its role in facilitating socio-technical transformations;


      - discuss the key historical milestones in the evolution of capitalism, illustrating how these developments have shaped current socio-economic structures and global disparities;
      - identifies and describes different techno-economic paradigms, explaining their significance in promoting sustainable practices within the context of green development;
      - summarizes the main arguments from critical and comparative perspectives on development, recognizing how these theories apply to contemporary economic challenges;
      - recognizes and outlines the interconnections between technology, governance, and social change, demonstrating an understanding of their implications for future policy-making and sustainable development initiatives.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Technology Governance and Socio-Technical Transformations
      MNI5240
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Introduction to Circular Economy
      EKX0040
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Estonian Language and Culture
      MLE0010
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      History of Capitalism: Critical and Comparative Perspectives on Development
      MNI5210
      3.0
      2.0
      1.5
      0.0
      0.5
      A
      S
      Techno-Economic Paradigms and Green Development
      MNI5230
      3.0
      2.0
      1.5
      0.0
      0.5
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Technology, Innovation and Sustainability 30.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      The purpose of the module is to introduce the role and impact
      of technology and innovation in promoting the socio-economic development of society in general and to explain various innovation theories. The nature of the technology as well as the challenges related to the technology are discussed and the possible negative effects of the technologies are critically evaluated. The goal is also to develop students' abilities to identify opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship against the background of social challenges through teamwork and to outline possible development scenarios.
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      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - explains the multifaceted role of technology in human life,

      assessing its ethical and social implications, particularly in the realm of information and communication technologies (ICT);
      - critically examines competing theories of innovation, evaluating their societal impacts and the externalities associated with both new and traditional technologies, including environmental and social factors;
      - outlines the potential benefits and risks associated with new technology-enabled initiatives in relation to sustainability;
      - integrates course lessons to envision and articulate sustainable and innovative future scenarios for their region;
      - develops well-reasoned arguments on complex issues related to technology, sustainability, and governance, effectively engaging in critical discussions and peer-led debates;
      - discovers and sketches new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in a team, employing creative and entrepreneurial thinking to address complex societal challenges while analyzing the impact of the digital environment on innovative organizations;
      - demonstrates the ability to construct and present coherent arguments on complex issues related to technology, sustainability, and governance, both in writing and orally.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
      MNF5530
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      E
      K
      Pathways to Sustainability
      MNL5620
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      S
      Case Studies in Alternative Technologies and Organizations for Sustainability
      MNL5630
      6.0
      4.0
      1.5
      0.0
      2.5
      A
      K
      Technology, Society and the Future
      MNR5320
      6.0
      4.0
      2.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      S
      Total: 24.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Social Entrepreneurship
      MMJ5240
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      K
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Governance of Sustainability Transitions 30.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to deepen students' knowledge of governance and public sector mechanisms with a focus on managing sustainable development and innovation.
      The aim is to explain both different governance traditions and systems, including the challenges related to them in the context of sustainability and the digital age, as well as the capabilities of the public sector in supporting sustainability and innovation.
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      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - analyzes the interrelationship between the state,

      economy and society, explaining the role of the state and the mechanisms of the bureaucratic apparatus in fostering economic growth and development;
      - applies theoretical knowledge to evaluate the role of public sector structures and management practices in supporting innovation, transformation and sustainability;
      - differentiates between and examines various schools, traditions and systems of governance and public administration;
      - constructs comprehensive research proposals that incorporate appropriate methodologies, data analytics and writing strategies relevant to addressing complex problems in the field of technology governance and sustainability;
      - critically analyzes the impact of digital technologies on public sector governance, identifying opportunities and risks related to digitally enabled public sector reforms;
      - evaluates the effectiveness of different research designs and data analysis techniques, employing data analytics tools to extract meaningful insights for policy development in the context of technology governance and sustainability.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Digital-Era Governance and Sustainability Challenges
      MNE5260
      6.0
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Public Sector Capacities for Innovation, Transformations and Sustainability
      MNI5220
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Implementing Governance in a Diverse Globalized World
      MNR5310
      6.0
      4.0
      2.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      K
      Total: 18.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Public Sector Service Design and Implementation
      ITE4230
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Data in Sustainability Transitions
      MNE5270
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Green and Sustainable Public Budgeting and Finance
      MNR5380
      3.0
      2.0
      1.5
      0.0
      0.5
      A
      K2
      Research Methods and Writing Skills
      MNR5390
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      K
      Human Rights, Ethics and Technology
      MOT5010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.5
      0.5
      E
      SK
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Internship 12.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The purpose of the internship is to improve students' practical skills at the internship organization,
      such as teamwork or managing various initiatives and to consolidate theoretical knowledge by dealing with real-life challenges and situations.
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      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - identifies sectoral problems and development needs within an internship organization,

      and proposes recommendations and solutions for improvements, contextualizing them within technology governance and sustainability;
      - applies theoretical knowledge in understanding practical challenges and interprets what is found at the internship through theoretical lenses;
      - demonstrates initiative and the ability to manage teamwork, taking responsibility for decisions made and own actions;
      - publicly presents and defends deficiencies observed during practice and improvement proposals regarding work processes, policy and/or public services.
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      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Internship: Honors Thesis (Internship)
      MNX5030
      12.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Internship: Consulting Lab (Internship)
      MNX5040
      12.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Internship: Civil Action (Internship)
      MNX5050
      12.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Free choise courses 18.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)
      Aims
      Module provides students with a possibility to choose subjects according to their needs and preferences.
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - demonstrates knowledge and skills for a better and more sustainable performance in his/her field-specific academic activity,

      professional field or as an active and educated member of a civil society.
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    • +
         MODULE: Final Exam 18.0 ECTS credits (Graduation exam)
      Aims
      The purpose of the module - the Master’s exam - is to determine students' knowledge and analytical skills in the field of technology governance and sustainability.
      Learning outcomes
      Study results: Student:
      - applies acquired knowledge and skills, showing creativity and awareness of societal processes;


      - explains the main development trends in the domains of technology, innovation, sustainability and governance;
      - analyses the role of innovation and technology-led transformations in society, the public sector, and the broader context of sustainable transitions;
      - explains the key factors for ensuring sustainable socio-economic transitions, enhancing societal welfare, and boosting a country's development potential and competitiveness;
      - uses the main terms, notions and concepts of technology governance and sustainability discipline correctly;
      - explains and justifies his/her arguments regarding proposed solutions to emerging societal problems.
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      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Master`s Exam in Technology Governance and Sustainability (final examination)
      MNX5060
      18.0
      1.0
      0.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 18.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
      • +
           1st Semester
      • +
           2nd Semester
      • +
           3rd Semester
      • +
           4th Semester