MARKET DYNAMICS AND NETWORK

The course complements the other subjects in the degree program and provides students with knowledge of different types of market structures, industrial dynamics, networks, and systems supporting business activities, as well as competition policies.
It aims to offer a cross-cutting perspective on territorial and industrial contexts, enabling students to interpret market dynamics from a systemic viewpoint and to develop a deeper understanding of their key determinants, including institutional and regulatory factors that enable firms to operate effectively in the market.
Particular attention will be paid to networks and dynamics within local production systems. The course will draw on both national and international experiences in the organization of economic activities, also considering competitive aspects in light of recent geopolitical changes and the growing role of emerging countries. Empirical case studies examined durinng lab activities will be discussed from a comparative perspective across time and space.

1. Knowledge and understanding

- identify and frame the main market models
- understand business networks and their different typologies
- identify firms’ strategies and competitive capabilities within evolving industrial and territorial contexts
- recognize different types of entry strategies and governance structures in international markets
- understand the main competition policies

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

- be able to frame case studies within the provided theoretical framework
- analyze the characteristics of a firm’s reference market system and its main trends
- identify advantages and critical issues arising from different organizational models
- analyze how global challenges influence competitive strategies at both firm and industry level

3. Ability to judge

- evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of business networks and local systems
- interpret competitive outcomes in different market contexts and their implications for firms and local systems
- suggest possible interventions to support market development, also considering institutional and cultural dimensions

4. Communication skills

students will develop the ability to present, argue, and discuss theoretical and applied content through participation in workshops

It is preferable to have some basic knowledge of Economics

The module will cover the following topics:

- Market models and industrial structure (characteristics, classifications, boundaries, and trends)
- Location and territorial competition (clusters, industrial districts, and local support systems)
- From structure to strategic behavior (evolution of firms’ competitive factors; the role of innovation, digital and sustainable transition)
- Local and international networks
- Transformations of global markets and value chains
- Sectoral trends, global crises, and new geopolitical order

Text book (provisional): 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.
Additional study materials will be provided during the lectures and made available on Moodle.

Written exam: multiple-choice questions and open questions

Evaluation criteria for students participating in group works: Written exam (50 percent of the final grade) and group works (50 percent of the final grade)
Evaluation criteria for 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.

Regarding the grading scale:
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 held on campus. The course includes lectures and workshops with group presentation and discussion

The course content is provisional and may be subject to change

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development