Topics in Economic Policy

(as of 29-09-2022)

Synopsis This course focuses on place-based policies and their effect on regional markets, especially labor markets. The objective of place-based or economic development policies is to support the local economy and encourage job growth. They can take the form of tax incentives or cash grants to influence business location decisions. Policymakers can also provide special public services to local businesses, such as customized job training. Another possibility is to invest in local infrastructure and land development. We will study the seminal economic papers in the field to understand the motivation and consequences of place-based policies. This course consists of four different sections. First, we will discuss the main economic models used to understand the economic arguments behind place-based policies. In section two, we will focus on the persistence of labor market frictions related to the need for policy inventions. Section three outlines selected types of place-based policies. The last section presents prominent historical examples of such measures in Germany and the U.S.
Requirements Basic knowledge of statistics and empirical methods is also beneficial. For a refresher, look at "Causal Inference: The Mixtape" by Scott Cunningham.
Instructors 

Prof. Dr. Alexander Kemnitz
Dimitria Freitas, M.A.
Schedule (Syllabus)

see Syllabus WiSe 2022/23
Modules and Exams

MA-WW-VWL-2704a, D-WW-WIWI-2704a: Topics in Economic Policy
MA-IB-GPOE-WP-IW-01: Economic Policy and Globalization

Exam
1) Seminar paper (weight: 2/3)
The seminar paper has to provide an informative summary and a critical review of the seminal article. This means:
The main task of the seminar paper is to detail the methods and the results of the seminal article.
In addition, you should discuss the paper critically and – more importantly - place it into the context of the literature closely related in terms of methods and the specific topic.
You may also describe how your article fits into the general context of the seminar. However, we expect to develop this in detail in the discussions of the presentations.
The seminar paper should not exceed 20 pages in 12pt font and 1.5-line spacing (15 pages only for module MA-IB-WP-GPOE-IW).
The seminar paper must be submitted by January 06, 2023 as a hardcopy to the Chair's secretary (Heike Becker, SCH C 303, office hours: 08.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.) and as a pdf to .

2) Presentation and Discussion (weight: 1/3)
The presentation should provide a summary of the seminar paper. It should not exceed 30 minutes (excluding questions), followed by a discussion of about 30 minutes. All participants need to contribute constructively to the discussion of each presentation. All presentations must be submitted by January 09, 2023, to .
Detailed Content Link to OPAL Course (Winter Semester 2021/2022)
  Syllabi of recent seminars
WiSe 2021/2022 WiSe 2019/2020 WiSe 2018/2019 WiSe 2017/2018

Zu dieser Seite

Simon Johannes Bolz
Letzte Änderung: 29.09.2022