This course investigates conceptually and empirically the role of economic policy. It revises the rationale for policy intervention while taking into consideration specific domains of intervention, ranging from education policies, trade policies, financial policies, labour market policies. The course will also introduce students to the main methodologies for policy evaluation. It will focus, in particular, on key techniques currently adopted to provide policy makers with consistent information on policy outcomes. Finally, political economy implications for each domain of intervention will be introduced.
With this framework in mind, the course aims to:
- Introduce students to the rationale for policy intervention;
- Discuss both conceptually and empirically specific examples applied to different policy domains;
- Provide a general overview of techniques for policy analysis and evaluation.
Detailed program by topic
- The rationale for policy intervention: The market and the role of Government
- Education Policies
- Trade Policies
- Financial Policies
- Inequality and Labour Market Policies