D0163 - TOPICS IN ECONOMIC GROWTH, INNOVATION AND POLICY

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• understand the main facts and models of economic growth;
• explain the role of innovation and technological progress;
• analyze how firms, competition, and market structure affect growth;
• discuss the importance of governance, ownership, and organizational capital;
• connect theoretical models to empirical evidence and contemporary issues.

Course contents

The course introduces the main topics in economic growth theory, combining theoretical models, empirical evidence, and contemporary issues.

After an initial section devoted to the stylized facts of growth and the benchmark models — Solow, Ramsey, and AK — the course examines the role of innovation, non-rival ideas, and creative destruction in endogenous growth models. It then shifts attention to firms, market structure, and the mechanisms through which entry, competition, firm size, and investment in knowledge affect growth. The course also discusses the relationship between competition, concentration, dominant firms, and radical innovations. The final part focuses on the role of governance, firm ownership, and organizational capital as determinants of productivity and long-run growth.

Overall, the course provides a unified framework for understanding the main mechanisms of growth: capital accumulation, technological progress, innovation, institutions, firm organization, and governance.

Readings/Bibliography

Selected references will be drawn from standard textbooks and research articles on economic growth, including contributions on benchmark growth models, endogenous innovation, firms and market structure, institutions, governance, and organizational capital.

A detailed reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, guided discussion of the main theoretical models, and analysis of empirical evidence. Particular attention will be devoted to linking economic intuition, mathematical formalization, and the interpretation of results.

Assessment methods

Learning will be assessed through a final oral examination aimed at evaluating students’ understanding of the main theoretical models, the economic mechanisms underlying growth, and their relationship with empirical evidence. Assessment will take into account students’ ability to clearly present the key concepts, interpret the implications of the models, and connect theory, data, and contemporary issues.

With regard to the use of generative artificial intelligence in examinations, the use of AI tools is prohibited. Any unauthorized use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

The course will make use of slides and teaching materials provided by the instructor, which will be used to present the main theoretical models, empirical evidence, and discussion topics covered during the lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Minniti