95914 - ECONOMIA E POLITICA INDUSTRIALE E TERRITORIALE M

Learning outcomes

The course aims at providing students with a framework on the main economic theories addressing the organization of production and regional development, with a specific focus on the role of business strategies and industrial policy.

Contributions from the theoretical debate are introduced and discussed also in relation with real-world cases, specifically the Italian, European and North American examples, as well as emerging countries.

The course deals with complex issues with a language as simple as possible, introducing students to theoretical economic analyses and to the critical discussion of real-world case studies on companies and institutions.

By the end of the course the student will acquire theoretical and empirical tools that allow him/her to get a deep understanding of the recent literature, to build his/her own critical views, and to start undertaking original research in the field.

The course favors the acquisition of the following skills: (a) a general autonomy in the understanding and analysis of economics applied to industry and the territory, with specific reference to the themes of innovation and sustainability; (b) autonomously using specific tools (e.g., databases) useful for identifying strengths and shortcomings in the context of industrial and regional dynamics; (c) applying adequate techniques for the analysis and definition of industrial and regional policy interventions.

Course contents

The course is designed to introduce the students to basic principles of economical frameworks including the qualitative and quantitative information that contribute to the understanding of the organization of production and regional development.

0. Introduction to the Economics and the Political Economy of industry and territory; 1. Principles of Economics; 2. Market structure (including monopoly, oligopoly); 3. Firm theory; 4. Varieties of industrial organization models; 5. Regional systems of production and innovation; 6. Firm strategies: product differentiation, mergers & acquisitions, pricing strategies, R&D and technological innovation, patents and brands, advertising. 7. The role of industrial policies in the processes of economic and regional industrial development: the debate, theories and experiences. 8. Structural change sustainability and implications for industrial policy and development.

Readings/Bibliography

Di Tommaso M.R., Rubini L., Barbieri E. e Tassinari M., Economia e Politica Industriale. Organizzazione della produzione, innovazione e politiche di interesse pubblico, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2021.

Further readings will be shared by the lecturers over the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures addressing a critical survey of the literature, analysis of core theoretical models, identification and discussion of interpretive frameworks, class interaction and exercises.

Assessment methods

i) Assessment for “attending students”:

Exam Component I

Written exam (multiple choice questions) on the topics covered during the classes. To get prepared for the written exam, students are required to study the course slides and the following readings:

Di Tommaso M.R., Rubini L., Barbieri E. e Tassinari M., Economia e Politica Industriale. Organizzazione della produzione, innovazione e politiche di interesse pubblico, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2021.

The textbook is available at the following link: https://www.mulino.it/isbn/9788815287960

Exam component II

Laboratory activities, including essay drafting, presentations and discussion in class.

 

ii) Assessment for “not-attending students”:

Not-attending students will take a written exam (multiple choice questions) at the end of the course accounting for 100% of the mark. This exam is based on the study of the following textbook (all the chapters):

Di Tommaso M.R., Rubini L., Barbieri E. e Tassinari M., Economia e Politica Industriale. Organizzazione della produzione, innovazione e politiche di interesse pubblico, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2021.

The textbook is available at the following link: https://www.mulino.it/isbn/9788815287960

 

Teaching tools

Formal lecture delivered with support of PPT presentations and databases. Active participation in discussion and classwork is required.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Rodolfo Di Tommaso

See the website of Roberto Scazzieri

See the website of Riccardo Rinaldi