Teacher(s)
Dott.ssa Alessandra Rossi

Objectives
The course aims at providing an overview of the issues arising in connection with innovative processes. The approach adopted is meant to offer both theoretical analytical tools, from an interdisciplinary perspective and at an intermediate-advanced level, and applied knowledge. In particular, upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
analyze the determinants of innovative processes both at the firm and at the system level and the relationships of complementarity among them;
evaluate the characteristics of the organizational models adopted both within the firm and in the collaboration among firms;
apply the analytical instruments provided by the principal theoretical approaches to innovation (micro- and macro-economic, but also to some extent historical and managerial);
identify and employ the most important tools of quantitative measurement of innovative phenomena;
identify the major impacts of innovation on the economy;
identify innovation policies currently adopted in developed countries;
evaluate the comparative efficiency of the various instruments of public policy for innovation.

Recommended prerequisites
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics

Contents
1. The analysis of innovation.
2. The innovative firm.
3. Networks of innovative firms
4. Open innovation and user-driven innovation
5. Sectoral systems of innovation
6. The Italian innovation system
7. Innovation and diffusion
8. The financing of innovation
9. Science, technology and innovation policy
10. Measuring innovation
11. Globalization of innovation
12. Innovation and competitiveness
12. Innovation and growth
14. Innovation and employment

Reading
Malerba, F., Pianta, M. e A. Zanfei (a cura di) "Innovazione. Imprese, Industrie, Economie". Carocci Editore, Bologna, 2008 (cap. 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9)
Fagerberg, J., Mowery, D. e R.R. Nelson (a cura di) "Oxford Handbook of Innovation", Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2006 (cap.3,6,9,22).
Calderini, M., Sobrero, M. e R. Viale "Il libro verde sull'innovazione. Come rilanciare l'innovazione in Italia". Ed. Il Sole 24 ore, Milano, 2008 (cap.1,2,4).

Type of exams
Partial examination - No
Final examination - Written and oral exam; optional essay/presentation on selected topics

Instruction language
Italian