24019 - Methods for Economic Analysis

Learning outcomes

This course aims to offer the basic instruments for identifying methods and models oriented to the quantitative analysis of phenomena, as well as to the related spatial and economic applications. In this context, particular emphasis will be paid to: - identification of equilibria/disequilibria of dynamic spatial systems in both discrete and continuous time; - construction of dynamic spatial economic models and simulation analyses;- identification of (complex) spatial economic network topologies/typologies in order to carry out forecast analyses, according to different economic and policy scenarios.

Course contents

Contents:

1. Dynamic models and systems:

- non-linear models with reference to dynamic (in)stability (equilibria and dis-equilibria) of spatial economic phenomena, in both discrete and continuous time

- chaos models

- prey-predator systems, competition/cooperation models and space-temporal systems

- niche models and interrelated logistics.

2. Complexity of spatial-economic networks:

- theories on complex networks

- small world networks and scale-free networks

- spatial interaction systems

- network connectivity: the indicators

- network accessibility: the indicators

- spatio-temporal economic complexity.

Simulation experiments and applications to spatial-economic case studies will be carried out, with references to the above issues.

Readings/Bibliography

Main References:

P. N. V. Tu, Dynamical Systems, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1994.

M. Batty, Cities and Complexity, MIT Press, London, 2005.

G. Caldarelli, A. Vespignani, Large Scale Structure and Dynamics of Complex Networks, World Scientific Publishing, Singapore, 2007.

R. Camagni, Economia urbana, NIS, Roma, 1992.

F. Vega-Redondo, Complex Social Networks, Cambridge University Press, NY, 2007.

Additional updated references (in English) will be provided during the lectures.

Teaching methods

Lectures and laboratory: in parallel to the theoretical lectures, simulation experiments and applications will be carried out, with references to the mentioned issues.

Assessment methods

Knowledge and competences acquired will be assessed through one final essay and intermediate power point presentations. At the end of the course students are expected to hold the following competences:

• knowledge of methodologies suitable to describe and identify the dynamics of spatial-economic phenomena;

• knowledge of methodologies suitable to describe and identify complex economic networks;

• ability to apply methods and tools presented during the course;

• ability to design “Research Questions” concerning the use of the adopted instruments to analyse dynamic and complex systems, in the spatial-economic field;

• ability to discuss the emerging findings, in order to interpret the spatial-economic phenomenon under analysis in the light of recent literature and current decision strategies.

Teaching tools

Reading material will be made available, at the end of each lecture, at the lab-site.

In the laboratory of informatics, specific software, with reference to following topics: a) dynamic models; b) network connectivity models; and c) network accessibility models, will be provided and utilized.

Office hours

See the website of Aura Reggiani