Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the students to the analysis of public sector institutions within market economies, applying analytical tools developed by microeconomics (contract theory, game theory). The issues concerning the objectives and the organization of different types of public sector institutions will be analysed. In particular, the lectures will be focused on the main critical aspects of collective decision making (voting, lobbying, intergovernmental relations).

HINDRIKS J., MYLES G.D., Intermediate Public Economics, MIT Press, 2013.
The parts of the textbooks to be prepared for the examination, jointly with additional references, will be communicated in the class. The teaching material will be available on DIR website.

1) Knowledge and understanding ability:- learning about alternative public sector institutions2) Capability to apply knowledge and understanding:- applying modern microeconomic theory to analyse the decision making of various types of public sector institutions3) Autonomy of judgment:- understanding the impact of the choices of different public sector institutions on long-term growth of a country4) Learning ability:- knowing the relevant literature on the economic analysis of public sector institutions- knowing the relevant empirical evidence on collective decision making and use this evidence to select among alternative theories

Basic knowledge of Microeconomics and Public Economics.

Lectures with frequent interactions between teacher and students.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is written. Students are required to answer 5 multiple choice questions and open questions. Time: 1 hour.

- Stylized facts about the activities and the size of public sector
- Theories on the growth of public sector
- Theories on the failures of public sector
- Collective choices and voting mechanisms
- Rent-seeking behavior and the role of lobbies
- Government levels and fiscal federalism theories

Being able to apply the theories developed by modern public economics to understand the critical issues of collective choices in the real world.