31518 - Economics Of Regulation

Learning outcomes

This course introduces students to the legal and economic analysis of regulation in markets characterized by allocative problems stemming from externalities and asymmetric information. Particular attention will be devoted to the market of professional services.

Course contents

The technological advances of the last thirty years, especially in information and telecommunication technologies, have opened enormous opportunities for companies as well as for the enhancement of societal well-being.

These advances, however, present major social challenges for citizens in general and policymakers in particular. This course will address some of these social challenges and explore how policymakers address (or may address) them.

These are some of the questions we will address:

• Will the recent advances in digital technologies, and in particular the development of Artificial Intelligence and automation, lead to massive unemployment? What is the role of policy in directing the development of Ai toward labor-enhancing rather than labor-substituting trajectories?
  
• What is market power in the digital age? Are large platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon operating as monopolists? If so, is this a cause of concern that requires regulation?
• How have recent technological advances changed cities? What is the impact of urban and place-based policies?
• Does the development of Artificial Intelligence present a threat to individual privacy?
• Is the tech sector liberating or discriminating women and minorities?
• What new and unexplored ethical dilemmas does Artificial Intelligence present?

Readings/Bibliography

Readings will include chapters from a few books, academic articles, policy reports and contributions in the popular press. 

Teaching methods

The course will combine traditional lectures, in-class discussions and group activities, and student presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Lacetera