The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of economic models applied to the digital transition in Public Administration. Training objectives include:
1. Understand the economic impact of the digital transformation of Public Administration.
2. Analyze the economic challenges related to the implementation of digital solutions in the PA.
3. Develop economic skills for the evaluation of policy choices regarding digital transition.
4. Explore the new economic opportunities generated by digitalisation in the PA.
5. Apply economic concepts in the design and management of digital transition projects.
1. Understand the economic impact of the digital transformation of Public Administration.
2. Analyze the economic challenges related to the implementation of digital solutions in the PA.
3. Develop economic skills for the evaluation of policy choices regarding digital transition.
4. Explore the new economic opportunities generated by digitalisation in the PA.
5. Apply economic concepts in the design and management of digital transition projects.
teacher profile teaching materials
The first part introduces the economic foundations of public intervention, addressing market failures, public goods, and the provision of public utility services, with particular attention to competition policies and the role of the welfare state.
The second part focuses on governance and public policies for digital transformation in Public Administration. Key topics include Open Government and transparency, the economic implications of ICT adoption in the public sector, access to information policies (FOIA), and alternative governance models for digital public services. Particular attention is devoted to the role of the Italian Agency for Digital Transformation (AgID) and to the main digital policies and regulatory frameworks implemented at the national level.
Throughout the course, special attention is devoted to institutional design, public value creation, accountability, and efficiency, highlighting the economic trade-offs and policy implications of digitalization in the public sector.
A reading list will be provided in class by the instructor.
Programme
The course will be divided in two sections and provides an economic perspective on the digital transition of Public Administration, focusing on the rationale for public intervention, the role of public services, and the governance challenges raised by digital transformation.The first part introduces the economic foundations of public intervention, addressing market failures, public goods, and the provision of public utility services, with particular attention to competition policies and the role of the welfare state.
The second part focuses on governance and public policies for digital transformation in Public Administration. Key topics include Open Government and transparency, the economic implications of ICT adoption in the public sector, access to information policies (FOIA), and alternative governance models for digital public services. Particular attention is devoted to the role of the Italian Agency for Digital Transformation (AgID) and to the main digital policies and regulatory frameworks implemented at the national level.
Throughout the course, special attention is devoted to institutional design, public value creation, accountability, and efficiency, highlighting the economic trade-offs and policy implications of digitalization in the public sector.
Core Documentation
Public Finance and Public Policy - Jonathan Gruber (selected chapters)A reading list will be provided in class by the instructor.
Attendance
Class attendance is optional but strongly recommended, given the applied nature of part of the course.Type of evaluation
The assessment consists of three components: a written exam on the first part of the course, an individual presentation of a paper and a collaborative project work on the second part.