The Technological Change Lab

Research and University Roots

TCLab is now an independent research platform led by the Founder where economics and policy efforts are showcased. But it has a research history as a global university’s global lab.

TCLab was founded in 2007 as a unique Columbia University laboratory. With a rich history of student and faculty engagement, it contributed to required courses at the Masters level, attracting Ph.D. Students for discussion, hosting campus and city events.

It hosted early career and senior TCLab Visiting Fellows from Finland, the UK, and Brazil, and helped dissertation, thesis students and Research Assistants. TCLab ‘studios’ or client-facing semester-long workshops were part of the required M.S. curriculum. Prof. Srinivas travelled with teams of students, training them to think critically, develop client and public perspective. TCLab efforts led to teams digging deep into topics on technological change: diverse sector economic activity, new rules and old organizations, skills, infrastructure builds, regulation, and technology. As part of Masters-level requirements, it built critical thinking and essential external partnerships with non-profits, government agencies, and the private sector.

TCLab continues today to act as an expanded research hub with rich international collaborations including with global universities, private and public sector clients, events and public engagements, and a consistent focus on problem-framing and problem-solving.