Lecturer: Roberto Fontana  

Course name: Economics For The Digital Society
Course code: 504708
Degree course: Bioingegneria, Computer Engeneering
Disciplinary field of science: SECS-P/06
The course relates to:
University credits: ECTS 6
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

The course will introduce the students to the main economic concepts necessary to interpret and understand the functioning of high-tech industries and markets. We will analyse the strategies used by firms to gain competitive advantages in hi-tech markets and their consequences for competition. Specific attention will be paid to innovation as a major source of economic competitive advantage and as a major determinant of changes in industry structure.

Course programme

Topics will include: 1. Price discrimination 2. Product differentiation and versioning 3. Network effects 4. Lock-in effects 5. Competition through standard setting

Course entry requirements

Basic concepts of Economics (demand/supply function, perfect competition equilibrium), basic concepts of Game Theory.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 45
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

Shapiro, C. and H.A. Varian . “Information Rules: A Strategic Guide to the Network Economy”. Harvard Business Review Press.

Rohlfs, J.H.. “Bandwagon Effects in High Technology Industries”. MIT Press.

Testing and exams

Written exam at the end of the course (2/3) and class paper presentation (1/3)