Principles of microeconomics

This course introduces students to the key regulatory challenges associated with the digital economy, with a particular focus on the European Union's AI Regulation, approved in 2024. Special attention will be given to understanding the regulation’s implications and its expected impact across European countries in the coming years.
In addition, the course will explore the determinants of public policies and the increasingly significant role of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in shaping policy formation.
The course will also include the analysis of real-world cases specific to digital markets, providing students with practical insights into regulatory challenges and their effects on market dynamics.

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key regulatory issues related to the digital economy.
In terms of knowledge and understanding, students will gain insights into the main regulatory challenges and frameworks governing the digital economy.
Regarding application of knowledge and understanding, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate business practices and contracts within the digital economy, identifying instances where such practices deviate from efficient behaviour and assessing their potential benefits or harm to society.
For judgement and critical thinking, students will be equipped to form independent assessments about the impact of digital economy practices, considering their implications for both businesses and broader societal welfare.
In terms of communication skills, students will be able to articulate their conclusions, along with the knowledge and reasoning that underpin them, to both specialised and non-specialised audiences in a clear, precise, and unambiguous manner.
Finally, with respect to learning skills, students will develop the ability to continue their studies autonomously, fostering a capacity for self-directed learning and critical inquiry.

Traditional lectures

For attending students, the overall assessment will include active participation in classroom and home-based activities. These activities will involve case study presentations and the methodological application of AI tools for public policy analysis. Designed to foster engagement and deepen understanding, they will form an integral part of the final evaluation.

Non-attending students are required to take a written exam and are strongly encouraged to consult Professor Giuranno during office hours or via email to clarify the exam program and ensure adequate preparation.

The objective of the assessment is to evaluate the student’s knowledge of both the empirical and theoretical aspects of the discipline. In alignment with the Dublin Descriptors, the exam will ascertain the student’s assimilation of the content, their ability to apply knowledge to relevant contexts, and their capacity to establish appropriate connections between topics while forming independent judgments. Furthermore, it will assess their ability to present topics clearly, comprehensively, and effectively, as well as their development of autonomous learning abilities and reflective understanding. 
 

"The student disabled and/or with SDL (specific disorders of learning), who intends to take advantage of an individualized intervention for the conduct of the exam, must contact the Disability Integration office of the University of Salento at the address:

paola.martino@unisalento.it

https://www.economia.unisalento.it/536

The determinants of public policy in the digital age
Winer, Stanley and Ferris, J. Stephen, (2022), Political Competition and the Study of Public Economics, Cambridge University Press.
Compulsory reading: Thinking Generally about Economic and Political Competition (paragraph(s) 2 - all); Electoral Competition and Economic Welfare (paragraphs 3 to 3.2.1); What Can Go Wrong? (paragraphs 4 to 4.2 and 4.3.2);
Appendix.
Harris-Trump presidential debate
Digitalization and public policies
Laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence: Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council
•    Prohibited AI Practices: Chapter II
•    High-risk AI Systems: Chapter III
•    Transparency obligations for providers and deployers of certain ai systems: Chapter IV
•    Obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models: Chapter V
•    Establishment and structure of the European Artificial Intelligence Governance: Chapter VII
•    EU database for high-risk ai systems: Chapter VIII
•    Post-market monitoring, information sharing and market surveillance: Chapter IX
 

Most of the course material is available on the Elearning platform. The student can request the access key from the teacher.

Winer, Stanley and Ferris, J. Stephen, (2022), Political Competition and the Study of Public Economics, Cambridge University Press.

Additional teaching materials are available to the student on the E-learning platform.