The course covers a range of economics topics related to decision theory, interdependencies between economic actors, and a number of issues that are particularly relevant in a society where information technologies play an increasing role in shaping economic processes. The leitmotif of the course is the concepts of knowledge and innovation, and their implications for business decisions and markets. Some of the properties that characterise non-competitive markets will also be presented, as well as examples of new technologies.
Possible topics to be covered during the course are: information and knowledge in society; the foundations of innovation economics; the role of knowledge and innovation in competitive and non-competitive markets and firm choices; externalities and intellectual property; technology and technology transfer; data as an asset and a factor of production, lock-in, switching costs and other characteristics of the modern economy.
Possible topics to be covered during the course are: information and knowledge in society; the foundations of innovation economics; the role of knowledge and innovation in competitive and non-competitive markets and firm choices; externalities and intellectual property; technology and technology transfer; data as an asset and a factor of production, lock-in, switching costs and other characteristics of the modern economy.
teacher profile teaching materials
1. Innovation: stylized facts and key definitions
2. Innovation models, market structure and industrial dynamics
3. Innovation and economic growth
4. Innovative enterprise: knowledge, skills and organization
5. Technological regimes and sectoral innovation systems
6. The diffusion of innovation
7. Geography of innovation
8. Innovation systems
9. Globalization of innovation
10. The economics of knowledge
11. The economics of digital platforms
[1] Malerba, F. (2000). Economia dell'innovazione. Carrocci.
[2] Malerba, F., Pianta, M., & Zanfei, A. (2007). Innovazione. Imprese, industrie, economie (pp. 1-305). Carocci.
Recommended for specific topics:
[3] Schilling, M. A., & Izzo, F. (2022). Gestione dell'innovazione. McGraw Hill.
[4] Weil, D. N., D'Amato, M., & Jappelli, T. (2005). Crescita economica: problemi, dati e metodi di analisi. Hoepli.
Additional readings will be suggested during the course on specific topics.
Programme
PROGRAM1. Innovation: stylized facts and key definitions
2. Innovation models, market structure and industrial dynamics
3. Innovation and economic growth
4. Innovative enterprise: knowledge, skills and organization
5. Technological regimes and sectoral innovation systems
6. The diffusion of innovation
7. Geography of innovation
8. Innovation systems
9. Globalization of innovation
10. The economics of knowledge
11. The economics of digital platforms
Core Documentation
Essential:[1] Malerba, F. (2000). Economia dell'innovazione. Carrocci.
[2] Malerba, F., Pianta, M., & Zanfei, A. (2007). Innovazione. Imprese, industrie, economie (pp. 1-305). Carocci.
Recommended for specific topics:
[3] Schilling, M. A., & Izzo, F. (2022). Gestione dell'innovazione. McGraw Hill.
[4] Weil, D. N., D'Amato, M., & Jappelli, T. (2005). Crescita economica: problemi, dati e metodi di analisi. Hoepli.
Additional readings will be suggested during the course on specific topics.
Attendance
Class attendance is strongly recommendedType of evaluation
Written exam, followed by an oral interview. We plan to hold preliminary written tests during the course.