TPP Programme
The TPP Programme in a Nutshell
- Objective: Acquire the public policy analysis skills needed to thrive at the intersection of technology and public policy
- Target group: Professionals working at the intersection of science, technology and policy and those wanting to enter this field
- Structure: Modular continuing education programme comprising two Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS) that can be upgraded to a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS). The programmes can be pursued part-time and independently of each other
- Duration: 1 semester for each CAS degrees and 2 years total for the MAS degree
- When: Takes place in the Spring Semester from January to June: CAS TPP Policy Process in odd years and CAS TPP Impact Analysis in even years
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland, ETH campus
- Language: The entire programme is taught in English
- Application: Applications for all TPP programmes are open from 15 August to 15 November
- Admission requirements: Master’s degree acknowledged by ETH or equivalent educational qualifications, preferably in natural sciences or engineering; at least 3 years of professional work experience; minimum English level of C1
- Fees: CHF 9,500 for one CAS and CHF 25,000 for the MAS (discount available for graduates from one CAS ETH TPP who apply for the second CAS ETH TPP)
Learn how to thrive at the intersection of technology and public policy and take the next step in your career
Which policy interventions could ensure that artificial intelligence is used in an effective but also socially fair manner? How to design a carbon tax that is effective in terms of reducing emissions, and that is also politically feasible? In today’s world, policymaking is confronted with multifaceted societal challenges that require professionals who are savvy in both science and technology as well as public policy analysis.
The Technology and Public Policy (TPP) programme is a continuing education programme designed for professionals working at the intersection of science, technology and public policy, as well as for those who are aspiring to move into this dynamic field.
Offered by one of the world’s leading universities, the TPP programme provides an interdisciplinary learning experience taught by renowned academics and experienced practitioners. It equips participants with policy analysis skills to effectively address societal challenges and advance in both their current and future careers.
The continuing education programme in 'Technology and Public Policy (TPP)' is structured modularly so as to best suit the backgrounds, interests, aims and needs of the participants. The programme consists of two Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) degrees in Technology and Public Policy (TPP) (15 ECTS each). The credits reflect the total workload, including preparation and follow-up (for one hour of in-person meeting, two hours of preparation and follow-up are envisaged). 15 ECTS equal around 450 hours of workload in total.
Each of the two CAS TPP degrees can be taken independently and via part-time study within one semester, meaning that it is not a prerequisite to take one CAS degree before the other.
The two CAS degrees will equip programme participants with essential skills in public policy analysis. The learning goals are to equip participants with skills that are essential for:
CAS TPP: Policy Process
- analysing how public institutions function and how policy choices are made;
- managing policy-making processes and communicating effectively with policy-makers, stakeholders, and the public.
- designing policy interventions based on systematic analyses of their expected economic, social, and political consequences (ex ante policy analysis);
- evaluating how implemented policy interventions perform in terms of their actual effectiveness, efficiency, and equity (ex post policy analysis).
Upgrading the CAS TPP degrees to a MAS in Technology and Public Policy
The MAS ETH in Technology and Public Policy (MAS TPP) represents the culmination of the TPP programme: it encompasses both CAS ETH TPP degrees, complemented by elective modules to broaden participants’ horizons, and a policy analysis project. In this project, participants apply the programme’s learnings under the supervision of an ETH professor. See MAS in Technology and Public Policy.
Public policy refers to measures adopted by government or other collective actors (e.g., international or supranational organisations, business associations, civil society) to address societal challenges. The TPP programme focuses on societal challenges that emerge at the interface between technology and society, where technology can be both a cause of and/or solution to societal challenges. Examples include the energy transition, climate change, mobility, digitalisation, and urbanisation.
Public policy analysis refers to the skill set required to design and implement effective and efficient public policies that contribute to solving societal challenges. Public policy analysis covers the entire functional chain from politics (the input into the policy process) and policy (the output of the policy process, such as laws and regulations), to the effects of such policies on technology and society (outcomes). While this programme focuses on public policy, policy analysis can also be applied to private (e.g., corporate) policy.
- Is an increasing share of autonomous vehicles likely to lead to more, or to less traffic, and what kinds of policies could be used to effectively mitigate this potential risk?
- How to regulate the digital space in order to achieve an appropriate balance between demands from businesses in the Big Data sector and customers’ and citizens’ privacy rights?
- What kinds of policy interventions/policy instruments for increasing the adoption of electric cars would be both effective and politically feasible?
- How to design efficient and effective policies for accelerating the transition to new renewables while avoiding technology lock-in?
- How to design a carbon tax that is effective in terms of reducing emissions, and that is also politically feasible?
- How to design public lighting systems in urban slums in ways that increase the security and economic productivity of residents?
- How could agricultural policies and pesticide regulations be revised in order to mitigate problems of groundwater pollution?
- Which policy interventions could ensure that artificial intelligence is used in an effective but also socially fair manner?
- What policies are more effective in ascertaining an adequate supply of transplantation organs in a public health system?
- How to design international labeling and certification systems in ways that are effective in achieving more sustainable and socially responsible production of goods produced in poorer and consumed in richer countries? How to design international trade agreements to achieve such goals?
And, of course, many other questions at the intersection of technology and public policy.
Get in touch with us
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Write us an email, ring us up, schedule a video call, or stop by our Institute for a coffee. The TPP Programme Manager will be happy to help you.