International Economic Policy

Information on Teaching
The courses deal with empirical and theoretical development economics and georeferenced or spatial data in applied economic research. The lecture "Microeconomic Theories in Development Economics" considers the role of different types of capital (human, physical, financial, and social capital) and discusses coordination failures, models of asymmetric information, and simple behavioral models. The lecture "Introduction to Geographic Information Systems" teaches the application of Geographic Information Systems software in economics and is particularly designed to prepare students to use it independently in their master's thesis. Finally, the seminar "Current Topics in Empirical Economic Research" offers students a look at current research in the field of empirical economic research, with a focus on regional economics, development economics, and new data and methods.

Research Focus
The research focus is particularly on the impact of new technologies in developing countries. The temporally and regionally staggered rollout of these technologies, for example Internet fiber-optic cables, is often used. In addition to primary economic questions, such as economic growth, further socio-economic dimensions, such as voting behavior, are also investigated. Furthermore, new technologies and voting behavior in other countries will be analyzed.

Career Perspectives
There is a wide range of opportunities for further career development. For example, through research-oriented teaching, graduates with their knowledge of economic policy and skills in empirical economic research are very well trained for an academic career at a university or an economic research institute. In addition, there are opportunities to work in international organizations, non-governmental organizations, ministries, or policy consulting firms.