The Technology Governance and Digital Transformation is a Master’s programme that is future-oriented and truly inter- and trans-disciplinary: from economics, technology and innovation to governance and public policies, where all key components of the socio-economic future are purposefully linked. It equips students with the capacity for critical thinking and with practical management skills on technological change, innovation and digital transformation that will make You succeed in tech-focused private and public organizations as well as in international bodies. We want to understand digital technologies as the key driver of development around the world, and we want to make sure that digital transformation brings about sustainable, green growth and human-centred development.

The programme is designed for those who want to know:

• the dynamics of techno- and social innovation and the role of different actors (entrepreneurs, large companies, governments, and most of all, humans) in these dynamics and in steering innovation towards a more sustainable future;

• the heterodox perspectives of economic development and innovation processes, i.e. systems of innovation, evolutionary, post-Keynesian, commons-based, or non-Western;

• the role and nature of technology, including its critique, and, in particular, the meaning and management of digital transformation, and its impact on the economy, society, government, and people.

The programme is designed and offered by the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance (RND) of Tallinn University of Technology. RND is a unique research and teaching institution that combines both economics (the why?) and governance (the how?) of innovation and technological change - unique competencies to succeed in the modern globalized and complex world. RND is located in Tallinn, Estonia – one of the leading Digital Societies in Europe. Studying in Estonia offers you unique insights into what the future might look like. Joining us on the Technology Governance and Digital Transformation MA programme offers you the chance to build the skills you need to shape the future.

Why this programme?

• The programme design complements the standard text-book knowledge, mainstream economics and governance theories with more realistic and relevant perspectives and practical case studies.

• The programme offers site visits to Estonian government offices and companies and guest lectures from leading Estonian and international innovators and visionaries.

• The programme is based on case-study based teaching and has a strong emphasis on internship and practical experience, without neglecting relevant theory.

• The minimum stay in Estonia is one year – the second year is dedicated to Internship & Consulting Lab and graduation thesis writing, which can both be done from anywhere in the world.

• The Faculty consist almost exclusively of internationally distinguished and award-winning professors.

The Master’s programme brings together some of the most renowned scholars of innovation and governance – Carlota Perez, Erik S. Reinert, Wolfgang Drechsler, Jan A. Kregel, Vasilis Kostakis and others – who offer students a coherent set of skills for understanding and managing technological changes and digital transformations in tech- and innovation-oriented organizations as well as in international bodies.

CURRICULUM OUTLINE (120 ECTS)

• General studies - cover entrepreneurship, innovation and technology management both narrowly and broadly through the understanding of the business environment and the creation of links with public sector innovation and digital transformation.
• Core studies - provide an overview of different approaches to economic development and innovation, and show the interrelationships between the main elements of the market economy - financial resources, production capital (technology), socio-political framework (institutions) - and their role in promoting innovation.
• Special studies - deepen the knowledge on: (a) innovation, technological developments and the supporting socio-economic environment; (b) governance and public sector functioning with the focus on managing digital transformation and innovation in the public sector and the phenomenon of e-government.
• Free choice module - provides students with a possibility to choose subjects according to their needs and preferences.
• Graduation thesis - students do academic research on specific technology governance and digital transformation topic and demonstrate an ability of critical use of data, appropriate and sound analysis, and critical assessment of findings.