ECONOMICS OF INNOVATION
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Some knowledge of mathematics, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics.
Written exam: 4 “main” questions/problems to be answered/solved in 2h.
The answers to the questions and problems will be evaluated based on their completeness and correctness.
Attendant students have the option to participate to group activities and presentations that will be evaluated and contribute to the final grade. In case of positive evaluation of the class activities they will also have the option to answer only 2 out of the 4 “main” questions/problems of the final written exam in 1h.
Partial exams will be scheduled at the end of each module.
Technological innovation has been always considered an important driver of economic growth. However only during the recent decades Economics of Innovation has become a single and organic discipline and has gained full recognition amongst economic scholars.
The objective of this course is to offer an introduction to the main topics of the Economics of Innovation, by providing the students the main concepts and tools to understand and interpret the main economic drivers and consequences of technical change.
At the end of the course the students will be able to understand and analyze several issues related to innovation strategies and policies, the role of Innovation on the global economy and its impact on employment and growth.
At the end of the course the students will be also able to autonomously interpret and critically discuss several topics related to the following main questions:
• What is innovation and how do we measure it?
• What is the link between innovation and economic growth?
• What is the relationship between patents and innovation?
• What role do colleges and universities play in the innovation ecosystem?
• How does firm competition impact innovation?
• What is the role of government?
The students will also learn how to visualize and analyze innovation data using several statistical techniques and econometric tools applied on different data sources.
The lectures in class will cover the following topics.
Every topic will be covered during two days of lectures of about 2h each.
MODULE 1
1 Introduction, basic concepts and definitions. Innovation in the history of economic thought.
2 Knowledge and technological innovation: characteristics, sources, measurements, and stylized facts.
3 Innovative firms and innovation systems: how technologies (co)evolve.
4 Appropriability and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
5 Innovation, markets and firm performances.
MODULE 2
6 The financing of R&D and innovation: problems and market failures.
7 Innovation diffusion and network externalities.
8 Open innovation and globalization. Models of economic growth.
Practical and PC lab sessions will take place in the following ways:
9 Laboratory: analyzing innovation data with R
10 Practical sessions: working groups and students’ presentations
.
• Malerba F. (2000, a cura di), Economia dell’innovazione, Carocci Editore, (Capitoli: 1, 2.1-2.3, 6, 8, 10.1-10.2, 11-14). (M)
• Fariselli P. (2014), Economia dell’innovazione, Giappichelli Editore, (Capitoli scelti). (F)
• Lipczynski, J., Wilson J.O.S., Goddard J. (2010, a cura di Laura Solimene), Economia Industriale. Concorrenza, strategie e politiche pubbliche Pearson Editore. (LWG) (Capitolo 11)
• Slides and additional readings will be provided during the course and uploaded on the e-learning platform.
Lectures and practical sessions with discussions of scientific papers and case studies.
The syllabus can be subject to modifications and changes during the course. Please check periodically on the e-learning course webpage for updates and communications from the instructor.
Office hours: normally during the two hours just after the end of each lecture.
Department of Economics, Monte Generoso building, first floor, room 25).
For organizational reasons, students must always send an email (andrea.vezzulli@uninsubria.it) in advance for scheduling a meeting with the instructor (either within or outside the office hours indicated above)