Courses Master Display 2017-2018

Course Description To PDF
Course title Growth and Innovation in Europe
Course code EBC4020
ECTS credits 6,5
Assessment None
Period
Period Start End Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
5 16-4-2018 8-6-2018 X X
Level Intermediate/Advanced
Coordinator Adriaan van Zon
For more information: adriaan.vanzon@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Language of instruction English
Goals
The goal is to understand how innovation and technological change cause economic growth, and growth rate differentials between countries and changes in the distribution of income between groups within countries. Students will develop a deep analytical understanding of the relationship between innovation, economic growth and distribution issues.
Description
Growth is a crucial outcome of the economic process. In many parts of the world, it is a way to elevate people out of poverty. In other parts, it is a way to improve the quality of life not just by increasing consumption of goods and services but also of intangibles like leisure time. The theory of economic growth looks at technological change and innovation as a crucial factor in this process. The incentives for individuals (consumers) and firms for accumulating knowledge, and the institutional environment in which this process takes place, are central elements in the theory of economic growth. However, innovation incentives may be too weak, and therefore policy intervention may become necessary, turning growth into a policy matter. Science and technology policy, but also innovation policy provide therefore important handles for enhancing growth. The course is aimed at building an understanding of the sources of growth, as well as the corresponding policy mechanisms. It looks at how growth may react to economic incentives, and how policy interventions may have an impact on growth performance through these incentives. The latter is especially important for Europe, since the European Commission has traditionally regarded science, technology and innovation policy as a way to increase Europe’s role in the global economy. The course consists of three parallel activities: 1) the study of the underlying theory, 2) execution of computer assignments, and, also as part of those assignment, 3) the review and analysis of policies related to science, technology and innovation. The computer assignments involve the group-wise implementation of dynamic policy simulation models that will be used to investigate the effectiveness of alternative policy options.
Literature
To be announced.
Prerequisites
Intermediate knowledge of mathematics and economics is required. Exchange Students need to have obtained a Bachelor degree in economics.
Teaching methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) PBL / Lecture / Assignment
Assessment methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) Attendance / Written Exam
Evaluation in previous academic year For the complete evaluation of this course please click "here"
This course belongs to the following programmes / specialisations
Master Econometrics and OR Other Electives
Master Economics Electives
Master Economics European Economic Policy
Master Fiscale Economie Economics Electives
Master Human Decision Science Electives
Master Information and Network Economics Economics Electives