A cap-and-trade program, as is used in the European Trading Scheme, is currently the most widely discussed method in the US for reducing greenhouse gases. A basic cap-and-trade program operates by mandating a fixed level of emissions for a given period, issuing permits, and then allowing a...

The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) could significantly contribute to reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from personal vehicle transportation in the United States over the next century, depending on the cost-competitiveness of the vehicle, the relative cost of refined fuels and...

In Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), private partners assume more responsibility for public projects than in traditional approaches. The larger responsibility of the private partner is expected to improve efficiencies of the project. However, it also increases potential challenges such as...

This thesis looks at the potential of labeling products with life cycle greenhouse gas emission information as a bottom-up, complementary alternative to carbon cap and trade systems. By improving the transparency of product carbon footprint information, a market for low carbon intensity products...

The Massachusetts life sciences supercluster is a source of tremendous innovation. The Commonwealth's academic and industrial institutions produce a consistent stream of cutting-edge scientific research and the region has a well-developed professional and financial infrastructure to support the...

Over the last two decades the application of real options theory has dramatically altered the way researches model infrastructure investment decisions. Real options are the right, but not obligation to do something for a certain cost within or at a specific period of time. Compared to the rich...

The effects of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) on innovation in the field of biotechnology are considered through assessment of their effects on upstream innovation and downstream development. Two case studies involving research tools representing forms of upstream innovation are analyzed to...

The federal surface transportation program in the United States stands at a crossroads. Short on money and lacking vision, the program is in need of reevaluation and reform. This thesis attempts to illustrate the current issues affecting the program within the historical context of...

The overall goal of this research is to develop a better understanding of how innovation can, and should, happen in the space sector. Part A: Towards an Empirical Measure of Spacecraft Innovation, frames the discussion of innovation in the space sector and creates a platform for future analysis....

I study the economic impact of the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) on the refining industry in Europe. I contrast previous ex-ante studies with the lessons from a series of interviews I conducted with industrials, and the public data available on the first phase of the scheme,...