ECONOMIC POLICIES FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

The course aims to provide the fundamental tools for analyzing the conditions of local economic development and for designing policies to support innovation and regional competitiveness. The starting point will be to understand the limitations and potential of the local dimension in the development processes that characterize the contemporary economy—an economy marked by openness to trade, the flow of human and financial resources, and the value of productive knowledge as key resources for sustainable growth. An important issue that many local governments face is the trend toward the urban polarization of innovation, which carries the risk of “peripheralization” of regions and inland areas. Gaining an understanding of the mechanisms and key indicators of economic development is therefore essential for adopting the most appropriate and effective economic policies in each region, while also upholding the principles of equity and inclusion.

Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to understand the main concepts and indicators of economic development, while also engaging with the most recent analyses of trends in the geography of innovation, technology, and labor. The introduction to local economic policy tools will be accompanied by a discussion of examples of competitive regions, including those outside the major metropolitan areas. The course will also explore the use of evaluation methods to facilitate the adaptation of public policies and sustain economic and social learning processes.

A basic understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics is required; these topics will be reviewed throughout the course, with the essential concepts for studying development processes and local economic policies introduced gradually.

The course will cover the following topics:
1) Economic development: concepts, measures, and the interdependence of different levels
2) From classical development theories to the economics of endogenous growth
3) The impact of the knowledge economy and technological development on regions
4) A new geography of work
5) Industrial districts, production clusters, and innovation ecosystems
6) Economic complexity: a new approach to analysis and development policies
7) International openness of local economies
8) Tangible and intangible infrastructure for local development
9) Economic policies for regional competitiveness
10) Policy evaluation as a learning process

The primary text for the literature review on trends and experiences in local development is as follows:
Buciuni G., Corò G.C., Periferie competitive. Lo sviluppo dei territori nell’economia della conoscenza, il Mulino, 2023

However, during the course, teaching materials and readings will be provided to help students explore the topics covered in greater depth.

The exam consists of a paper or project work proposed by the student on a topic related to the course content and agreed upon with the professor. Priority will be given to the study of original examples of local development and to the assessment of the impact of economic policies.

written and oral

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.

The highest grade will be awarded to papers that demonstrate originality in content and the ability to situate that content within the body of literature on economic development.
Consequently, lower grades will be given to papers that are merely compilations of existing material.
The final grade will, however, take into account the student’s active participation during in-person and online classes.

The course will alternate between more theoretical lectures, case study presentations, and in-depth discussions with students based on the assigned readings.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development