INDUSTRIAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY MOD. 2

This module complements the other modules in the degree programme: it provides students with the foundations for understanding the perspective of industrial economics and policy, and thus the meso-economic context (sectors and territories) and the policy environment in which businesses operate. This module focuses in particular on various approaches to the organisation of production from a comparative perspective, with the aim of discussing the possible links between the organisation of production and sustainability. It also addresses the topic of industrial policy, industrial policy for economic, social and environmental sustainability, and the link between industrial policy and sustainable structural change. Finally, it examines the public-private interactions that can foster growth and sustainable development.

1. Knowledge and understanding
- understand the main forms of organization of production
- situate business strategies within an industrial, regional and policy framework
- recognise international examples of production organisation and innovation processes
- understand the evolution of theory and debate surrounding industrial policy
- understand the links between the concept of sustainability and the organisation of production
- understand the links between the concept of sustainability and industrial policy

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- be able to situate case studies within the theoretical framework provided
- be able to analyse the industrial structure, the firm’s innovation system and the implications for sustainability
- be able to highlight the benefits and challenges for sustainability arising from different forms of production organisation
- be able to highlight the benefits and challenges for sustainability arising from the use of industrial policy

3. Critical judgement
- be able to critically assess the evolution of forms of production organisation in various contexts, particularly with regard to sustainability
- be able to assess the advantages and disadvantages of industrial localisation, particularly with regard to sustainability
- be able to suggest measures to support the organisation of the production system, particularly with regard to sustainability

4. Communication skills
- Students will be able to practise their skills in presenting, arguing and discussing theoretical and applied knowledge/case studies – on the topics covered in lectures – through participation in workshops

Students are encouraged to take the Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exams before this course

Module II will cover the following topics:

- A variety of business models and forms
- Key theories and practices of industrial policy
- Structural change and sustainable structural change
- Meta-economic objectives of industrial policy, with particular reference to sustainability

Common to module I and II:

Di Tommaso, M.R., Rubini, L., Barbieri, L., Tassinari, M. “Economia e Politica Industriale. Organizzazione della produzione, innovazione e politiche di interesse pubblico”, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2021.

Specific to module II:

See exam materials on Moodle

More detailed information about referral texts will be provided during class

Partecipants to group works: Written exam (50 percent of the final grade) and laboratories (50 percent of the final grade)
All the other students: Written exam (100 percent of the final grade)

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

A. Scores in the range of 18-22 are awarded when there is:
- Sufficient knowledge and understanding in relation to the program.
- Ability (although limited) to apply knowledge and evaluate proposed cases or scenarios, or analyse data, formulating independent judgments.
- Sufficient communication skills, especially concerning the use of specific economic language, are displayed.

B. Scores in the range of 23-26 are awarded when:
- Fair knowledge and understanding in relation to the program.
- Fair ability to apply knowledge and evaluate proposed cases or scenarios, or analyse data, formulating independent judgments.
- Fair communication skills, especially concerning the use of specific economic language, are displayed.

C. Scores in the range of 27-30 are awarded when:
- Good or excellent knowledge and understanding in relation to the program
- Good or excellent ability to apply knowledge and evaluate proposed cases or scenarios, or analyse data, formulating independent judgments.
- Good or excellent communication skills, especially concerning the use of specific economic language, are displayed.

D. Honors are awarded when excellent knowledge and understanding applied in relation to the program, excellent judgment capacity, and communication skills are demonstrated

The course is mainly held on campus. The course includes lectures and workshops with presentation and discussion of theoretical and empirical knowledge/case studies. All information regarding the functioning of the course will be provided during the first lecture.

The programme may be subject to some changes.
Please remember to register on MOODLE

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development