GCPP: Technology and Policy

Technology can be a force to bring peace and prosperity to all. It is increasingly shaping the interactions between markets, governments and society, and those building it should be able to make good decisions that advance the public interest alongside business interests. Technologists, entrepreneurs, policymakers and people working in tech must understand the economics of technology platforms, manage the political economy, find an ethical orientation and engage in public discourse. This programme provides participants with the tools and knowledge to create technology responsibly.

Designed for full-time professionals, the GCPP offers a seamless mostly online learning experience. The programme spans 12 weeks and includes weekly webinars (usually on Saturdays). The highlights of the programme include an online Academic Conference and an interactive in-person workshop.

Timeline and Key Dates

Programme Begins
Saturday, 11 January 2025

Early Bird Deadline (10% scholarship)
Sunday, 1 December 2024

Application Deadline
Friday, 3 January 2025

Takshashila Academic Conference (online)
8 - 9 February 2025

Workshop Dates (in-person)
21, 22, and 23 March 2025

The Workshop

The Policy Simulation Workshop, a highlight of the GCPP, involves students working in teams to solve policy problems. The workshop will take place over three days in Bengaluru. Participants will need to bear expenses for travel to the venue, food and accommodation for the three days.

Curriculum - Core Modules (weeks 1-5)

CP1 - Policy Analysis and Concepts

This module explores the foundations of public policy, from understanding nations, states, and governments to exploring the paradoxes and pitfalls faced by governments.

    • Introduction to Public Policy

    • Nations, States, and Governments

    • Paradoxes and Pitfalls of the Government

    • Goals of the Government and Things Governments Do

    • Introduction to Kautilya’s Arthashasthra

CP2 Economic Reasoning for Public Policy – I

This module explores the fundamental principles of economics, from understanding economic reasoning and the price system to trade and government intervention in markets.

    • Introduction to Economic Reasoning

    • The Price System

    • Market Dynamics

    • Introduction to Macroeconomics

    • Trade

    • Government Intervention in Markets

CP3 Effective Communication and Media Engagement

This module aims to get you to start writing. It also provides an overview of the role of narratives and their use in political and policy communication.

    • Basics of Writing

    • Understanding the Media Environment

    • Political and Policy Narratives

Curriculum - Technology and Policy Modules (weeks 5-12)

CT1 - Politics and Policy in the Information Age

This module highlights the significant differences between the information age and the industrial age. It also examines the ethical aspects that influence technology development in the information age.

    • Introduction to Politics and Policy in the Information Age

    • Ethics in Technology and Policy

CT2 - Responsible Strategy

This module covers frameworks to anticipate society’s reaction to technology and take well-informed policy decisions that prioritise the public interest.

    • Social Impact Analysis and Responsible Strategy

    • Policy Simulation Exercise

CT3 - Information Economics

The economics of information goods differ from conventional goods. This module examines how the distribution and utilization of information affect markets and decision-making processes.

    • Nature and Pricing of Information Goods

    • Rights Management

    • Switching Costs and Lock-In

    • Network Effects

    • Setting Standards

    • Competition and Regulation in the Information Age

CT8 - High Tech Geopolitics

Nations are vying for dominance in critical and emerging technologies. This module explores the relationship between technology and national power and unravels the geopolitics associated with it.

    • Technology and National Power

    • Internet Governance Geopolitics

    • Siliconpolitik

    • Information Warfare

    • Building India’s Technology Power

Fee Structure

The programme fee for individuals is ₹33,000 (plus GST). Fees, once paid, are non-refundable. Students will have the chance to defer their admission to one subsequent batch.

Limited financial scholarships are available for talented individuals and in exceptional cases. Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis, but early applicants will have a significant advantage in availing scholarships.

Faculty
Nitin Pai
Nitin Pai

Nitin Pai is co-founder and director of the Takshashila Institution, an independent centre for research and education in public policy. His current research includes the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific; defence economics and the politics of radically networked societies.

Pranay Kotasthane
Pranay Kotasthane

Pranay Kotasthane is deputy director of the Takshashila Institution. Pranay’s current research includes high tech geopolitics and the politics of radically networked societies. Pranay teaches public policy, international relations, and public finance at Takshashila’s graduate and post-graduate programmes.

Anupam Manur
Anupam Manur

Anupam Manur is an Assistant Professor at the Takshashila Institution. He was previously working as a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore, after completing his Masters in International Business (Economics) from Lancaster University.

Mihir Mahajan
Mihir Mahajan

Mihir Mahajan is Chief of Staff at IP Spring LLC, a boutique US law firm that specializes in intellectual property matters. Mihir’s experience includes developing IP strategy, managing patent portfolios, patent transactions, and preparing and prosecuting patent applications.

Shambhavi Naik
Shambhavi Naik

Shambhavi Naik is a Research Fellow with Takshashila’s Technology and Policy programme. She is the chairperson of Takshashila’s Health & Life Sciences Policy.

Manoj Kewalramani
Manoj Kewalramani

Manoj Kewalramani is a Fellow-China Studies at The Takshashila Institution. His research focuses on Chinese politics, foreign policy and approaches to new technologies.

Sarthak Pradhan
Sarthak Pradhan

Sarthak is an Associate Fellow at The Takshashila Institution. He has completed the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Public Policy from The Takshashila Institution.

Rahul Matthan
Rahul Matthan

Rahul Matthan is a Fellow with Takshashila’s Technology & Policy Research Programme.

Krish Ashok
Krish Ashok

Krish Ashok heads the Digital Workplace unit at Tata Consultancy Services where his team helps reimagine the future of work for large enterprise customers

Venkatesh Hariharan
Venkatesh Hariharan

Venkatesh Hariharan is the India representative for the Open Invention Network, an organization that protects the open-source community from patent litigation.

Faculty

Student Testimonials

  • Karthik Reddy, GCPP (TP)

    For over a decade, I've been at the crossroads of finance and tech. GCPP (Tech and Policy) offered a deep dive into policy, regulation, and ethics within tech. Despite being online, Takshashila excelled in delivering engaging webinars and workshops with experienced professionals. The course equipped me with actionable tools and frameworks, and introduced me to a diverse cohort, enriching our discussions with varied insights.

  • Divya Pinge, GCPP (TP)

    I work at the crossroads of technology and policy. Taking the GCPP (TP) greatly aided my grasp of fundamental public policy principles and their practical implementations in real-world situations. The faculty's willingness to listen to diverse student perspectives and engage in open dialogues was remarkable. I consistently apply these concepts in my daily work. I wholeheartedly endorse this course.

  • Maulik Thakkar, GCPP (TP)

    As an urban policy planner engaged in technology policy governance, the GCPP (TP) programme at Takshashila was immensely valuable. The course provided a stimulating environment, uniting like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds. What set this programme apart was its ability to incorporate real-world developments, keeping the course content relevant. Contextualising tech policy in the Indian landscape added depth to my understanding. Crafting policy ideas from scratch and collaborating in group projects were both enlightening and practical experiences. I take away fond memories from the few months immersed in this programme.

  • Arinjay Singh, GCPP (TP)

    The courses were well-structured, diving deep into the intersection of technology and public policy. The exceptional faculty brought valuable insights and real-world perspectives that greatly enriched the learning experience. The interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions fostered a collaborative environment, enhanced by the diverse peer group from various professional backgrounds.