SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
April 6, 2009
"Scaling Dynamics in Energy Technologies: Historical Evidence & Implications"
Presentation
Historical patterns of growth across a range of energy technologies are used to explore "scaling". Scaling is used to describe a particular form of growth that is (i) both rapid and substantive, taking into account the overall size of the energy system, and (ii) occurs at multiple levels from the technical unit and/or plant to the industry as a whole (e.g., from a wind turbine or wind farm to total installed wind capacity or manufacturing output). Scaling dynamics are assessed in historical time series data on vehicles, jet aircraft, refineries, and power plants (nuclear, coal, gas, wind). In those cases for which S-shaped growth is clearly evidenced, logistic function parameters are used to compare scaling across different technologies.
April 2009
Entrepreneurial Finance: Financing of Young Innovative Ventures
Book
By Ant Bozkaya, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2008–2009; Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program, 2005–2009; Dubai Initiative, 2007–2008
This book aims to better understand the process of the funding of young innovative ventures, and how a deeper understanding of this process can help public policy to better stimulate entrepreneurial firms—especially in high-technology industries.
These essays, complemented by a comprehensive introduction, are essential for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs wishing to advance their understanding of this important and expanding field of study.
April 1, 2009
"Venkatesh "Venky" Narayanamurti Named Director of Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center"
Press Release
By Beth Maclin, Communications Assistant
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Venkatesh “Venky” Narayanamurti will be the new director of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Belfer Center Director Graham Allison announced today.
istock Photo
March 23, 2009
"How to Keep the Bomb From Terrorists"
Op-Ed, Newsweek
By Graham Allison, Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs; Douglas Dillon Professor of Government; Faculty Chair, Dubai Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School
The only thing that can keep nuclear bombs out of the hands of terrorists is a brand-new science of nuclear forensics.
AP Photo
Spring 2009
"Obama Taps into Belfer Center Community for Key Policy Posts"
Newsletter Article, Belfer Center Newsletter
The Belfer Center is both proud and humbled that a number of its members have been asked to serve in the Obama Administration. The group's experience and expertise span many of the international challenges confronting the nation today.
AP Photo
March 10, 2009
"Networked Leaders"
Op-Ed, Guatemala Times
By Joseph S. Nye, Harvard University Distinguished Service Professor
"While Obama was hardly the first American politician to use the Internet, he was the most effective in using new technology to raise money from small donors, energize and coordinate volunteers, and convey his messages directly to voters. Now he is faced with the question of how to use networks to govern....In a networked world, leadership is more like being in the middle of the circle and attracting others than being "king of the mountain" and issuing orders to subordinates down below."
Belfer Center
Spring 2009
"Center Hosts Al Gore and Top Energy/Climate Experts in Climate Solutions Summit"
Newsletter Article, Belfer Center Newsletter
By Sharon Wilke, Associate Director of Communications
The Belfer Center hosted former Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore and 30 of the United States' top energy and climate experts in October for a "Solutions Summit" on the climate challenge ... participants brainstormed concrete solutions to producing carbon-free electricity, using as a starting point Gore’s July 2008 Generational Challenge to Repower America, which calls on the nation to produce 100 percent of America's electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within ten years.
March 6, 2009
Washington Post Pools Its Resources
Magazine or Newspaper Article, Columbia Journalism Review
By Cristine Russell, Senior Fellow, Environment and Natural Resources Program
In the latest of many recent changes at The Washington Post, the management has announced a new plan to coordinate all health, science and environmental coverage paper-wide—from national to lifestyle—under a single editor.
March 4, 2009
Globe Kills Health/Science Section, Keeps Staff
Magazine or Newspaper Article, Columbia Journalism Review
By Cristine Russell, Senior Fellow, Environment and Natural Resources Program
This week, The Boston Globe stopped running its highly regarded Monday Health/Science section and began placing its content in the paper’s trendy new “g” lifestyle tabloid, as well as its business section. It is the latest casualty at the struggling but storied New England paper, located in what is arguably the center of the health, science, and technology universe. According to health and science editor Gideon Gil, the Globe’s nine-person specialty staff is expected to stay intact—at least for now—and coverage of everything from stem cells to climate change will still have high priority in the paper.
Winter 2008/09
"Correspondence: Costs and Difficulties of Blocking the Strait of Hormuz"
Journal Article, International Security, issue 3, volume 33
By William D. O'Neil and Caitlin Talmadge
William O'Neil replies to Caitlin Talmadge's Summer 2008 International Security article, "Closing Time: Assessing the Iranian Threat to the Strait of Hormuz."
