The course aims to analyze the interactions that exist between economic
systems and formal and informal institutions, and to study both from a
theoretical and an empirical perspective different approaches to public policy
intervention in the economy.
Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of the role of government and its
influence on the economy, and to the role of the public sector in the promotion
of sustainable economic development.
Typical tools of law and regulation will be presented, as well as advanced public choice topics such as voting and the policy formation process.
The final part of the course focuses on public policies for the environment, and
it introduces methods for cost-benefit analysis and counterfactual policy
evaluation.
The emphasis of the course will be on understanding how the theoretical tools
can be applied to analyze real world issues. To this end, empirical evidence and
case studies will be widely discussed in light of the theory.
At the end of the course the students will be able to master state-of-the art
economic tools necessary to evaluate the financial sustainability of public
policies and to assess the potential impact of public policy interventions for a
sustainable development.