Economics of knowledge, technology and growth

Aims of the course

The course introduces students to new concepts of value creation and the importance of different sources of growth at the macro, meso and micro levels, focusing on the economics of knowledge, technology, intangible resources, innovation (including information, R&D and economic competences).

The course trains the student to analyse the situation, benchmark and make proposals for the successful management of new growth factors, which are key factors for the success and competitiveness of companies in the new economy.

The course also equips the student to analyse and formulate development strategy and policy in a specific country.

The course trains the student in the use of data and databases for situation analysis and strategy formulation.

Course syllabus

1. The objectives of economic growth and development, the integration of economic growth, knowledge, innovation and technology into the concept of sustainable development
2. Development disparities in the world and in the European Union
a. Overview of macroeconomic data and trends
b. Analysis of differences at company level
3. Economic growth theory and the role of knowledge, technology, innovation factors in the growth process in economic theory - an overview of theory
a. Identification of the differences between tangible, intangible growth factors
b. Endogenous growth processes in theory
c. Empirical analysis of processes at the level of the economy
Empirical analysis at the firm level
4. The role of knowledge and intangible factors in the growth and development process
a. Modelling knowledge and other intangible factors of growth and contributions to growth in economic theory
b. Measuring knowledge and intangible growth factors and empirical analysis of the role of knowledge
c. Knowledge and its role at the firm level, impact on competitiveness, performance
5. Economics of technology
a. Definition of technology, technological revolution and growth processes, drivers
b. Contributions of technology, role of technology in the growth process in economic theory
c. Empirical analysis of the role of technology
d. Technology, artificial intelligence and the process of firm growth, competitiveness and restructuring
6. Economics of innovation
a. Definition of different types of innovation
b. The determinants of innovation and the impact of innovation on the performance of firms and the development of economies in theory
c. Empirical analysis of the impact of innovation on the growth, competitiveness and restructuring process
7. The role of knowledge for sustainable development - green innovation, green jobs and the restructuring of firms and economies
8. Data analysis

Course director(s)