ECONOMICS OF INNOVATION - QUALIFICATION
cod. 1006758

Academic year 2018/19
2° year of course - Second semester
Professor
Academic discipline
Economia applicata (SECS-P/06)
Field
A scelta dello studente
Type of training activity
Student's choice
63 hours
of face-to-face activities
9 credits
hub: PARMA
course unit
in ITALIAN

Learning objectives

a. Knowledge and understanding: In addition to acquiring the basic notions of the economic theory of innovation, the student will learn to recognize the different forms of innovation and to measure the innovative phenomenon with the use of appropriate indicators. The student is expected to acquire knowledge and awareness of the economic impact of innovation at the enterprise level and at the macro level. Finally, it will be able to recognize the obstacles that characterize the innovation process and to understand the importance of the role of public policies in support of innovation.
b. Knowledge and understanding: the student will be able to deal critically with issues and topics related to the economics of innovation. Will be able to describe the innovative process as a complex phenomenon that is not limited to the introduction phase of an innovation, but extends to the sectoral diffusion process, to the impact on social well-being and to the effects on the performance of the entire economic system. He will be able to comment on reports, data and tables referring to some of the phenomena that characterize the innovative phenomenon, also with a view to international comparison.
c. Making judgments: the course combines theoretical knowledge with examples of empirical applications aimed at verifying the applicability conditions of the proposed models and at critically analyzing the empirical results found. This method of acquisition and application to the real world of knowledge allows the student to develop awareness of the mechanisms that regulate the innovative processes and to stimulate the ability to explore sources, data and the literature necessary for the formulation of weighted judgments.
d. Communication skills: at the end of the course the student will have acquired the tools that allow him / her to communicate the acquired knowledge with effective language. These skills, which are essential for a successful entry into the world of work, are ascertained through the final written test which takes the form of open answers to the proposed topics and stimulated through exercises of exposure to the class of group work reported by the teacher on current issues concerning the subject of study.
e. learning skills: The frequency of the lessons and seminars proposed, the interaction with the teacher and the invited expert speakers, the constant viewing of the training materials uploaded on the Elly platform, individual study and participation in group work provide the student with the toolbox to stimulate individual learning.

Prerequisites

Course unit content

Technological change and growth
2. The Schumpeterian perspective
3. Definition of innovation
4. Measurement of innovation
5. The diffusion of innovation
6. Public support for innovation
7. Innovation and welfare
8. The determinants of innovation
9. The obstacles to innovation
10. Innovation and profitability

Full programme

Bibliography

Materials and Readings supplied by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Lectures, aimed at acquiring knowledge and stimulating understanding;
Seminars held by scholars and institutional operators, who will be aimed at developing the capacity for reasoning and critical evaluation on current issues;
Group work on case studies / empirical papers with classroom exposition of the main results, which will be aimed at developing learning skills, acquiring the necessary technical language and improving communication skills.

Assessment methods and criteria

The exam consists of a written test with 3 open questions. The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths and tends to ascertain the acquisition of the knowledge acquired in the course, the ability to argue critically and the adequacy of the language used. The honors are awarded in the event of a maximum mark on each question and once the use of appropriate terminology and the ability to connect critically the topics covered during the course are verified.
For students who took part of a work group during the course, with subsequent presentation and discussion in the classroom, the final exam consists of 2 open questions. This is accompanied by the work group evaluation. The work group is worth one third of the final grade but only if the result of the final exam is sufficient.
The duration of the final exam is one hour and a half.
During the exam it is forbidden to use mobile phones, smartphones, tablets and any other electronic device. The calculator is allowed.
Results will be notified on the Esse3 portal. Students can view the exam results by appointment with the teacher.

Other information