The course aims to provide students with the methodological tools for understanding the relationships between macroeconomics and regional economic policy, of which the main measures undertaken by the European Union will be presented.
It aims to improve the student's analytical skills and synthesis through the study of the theories and knowledge of the strategies of the Regional Economic Policy of the European Union. In particular, the Cohesion Policy aimed at achieving the convergence and integration between states and regions of the EU, with particular reference to the use of the Structural Funds.
A final study will be dedicated to the ongoing debate on the development of policies for the socio-economic cohesion.

First part. The territorial dimension of the contemporary economic development and the regional economic policy instruments.
1. The inter-regional mobility of factors: the neoclassical model.
2. Theories of structural imbalance: circular causation, development poles, filtering-down.
3. Export-led development models and policy implications.
4. The theories of growth: productivity, technology, human capital.
5. The theory of endogenous growth.
Second part. The Regional Economic Policy of the European Union.
6. Strategies:
- The Plan for Sustainable Spatial Development;
- Sustainability, cohesion and public spirit;
- Economic and social cohesion: the stages, phases, tools;
- The reform of cohesion policy.
7. The objectives and tools:
- Socio-economic development;
- Balanced development;
- Sustainable Development;
- Structural Funds and financial institutions.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The teaching material and specific communications from the lecturer can be found, together with other supporting activities, inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures, seminars, dissertations.

Innovative teaching methods

The face-to-face teaching mode will be enriched with exercises and in-depth studies, both individual and group. Some course topics will be covered following the practice of "flipped lesson" and Problem-based learning. Debates (regulated debates) will also be encouraged during class.
 

Attendance

It is highly recommended to attend regularly the course.

Course books

Lecture notes by the teacher and literature concerning essays, articles and research.
Students must prepare for the exam on the following material:
 

A.    Investment for jobs and growth

In Sixth report on social and territorial economic cohesion

(https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/cohesion6/6cr_it.pdf)

• Chapter 6. Evolution of cohesion policy (pp. 179-212)
• Chapter 8. Cohesion policy in the 2014-2020 period (pp. 235-276)

B.    Cohesion in Europe in the run-up to 2050

In Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion.

(https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/cohesion8/8cr_it.pdf)

• Executive Summary (pp. I-XXVI)
• Chapter 2. A Smarter Europe (pp. 6-63)
• Chapter 5. A more social and inclusive Europe (pp. 135-186)
• Chapter 6. A Europe closer to the citizens (pp. 187-2012)
• Chapter 8. National investment and cohesion (pp. 241-266)
• Chapter 9. The impact of cohesion policy (pp. 267-300)

C.    European Central Bank (Annual Report)

In Annual Report 2021

(https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/annual/html/ecb.ar2021~14d7439b2d.en.html)

• Economic Outlook (pp. 6-36)
• Monetary policy (pp. 37-66)
• The European financial sector (pp. 67-81)

Assessment

Written test. Papers produced by students during the course will be evaluated.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Same program of the attending students.

Attendance

Same as for the attending students.

Course books

Same program of the attending students.

Assessment

Same program of the attending students.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.