Teacher(s)
Language
English
Prerequisites
Intermediate Micro-Economics and Introductory Industrial Organization
In addition, this course is reserved for students with a bachelor's degree in business engineering or students with equivalent quantitative method skills
In addition, this course is reserved for students with a bachelor's degree in business engineering or students with equivalent quantitative method skills
Main themes
The course aims at analysing the mechanisms and institutions governing the production, use and diffusion of information and knowledge. It also aims at developing a rigorous economic analysis of a large set of issues surrounding intellectual property, R&D and innovation. In this field, the economic approach appears as fundamental as it focuses on markets, incentives and strategic interaction.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | Having regard to the LO of the programme, this activity contributes to the development and acquisition of the following LO:
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Content
The course aims at analyzing the mechanisms and institutions governing the production, use, and diffusion of information and knowledge. It also aims to conduct a rigorous economic analysis of a broad range of issues related to intellectual property, R&D, and innovation. In this field, the economic approach is fundamental as it focuses on markets, incentives, and strategic interaction, which are crucial for innovation.
Teaching methods
The module follows an inverted classroom approach. Each topic is covered over the course of one week. At the start of the week, students work in groups and individually to deepen their knowledge of the topic by reviewing teaching materials made available online. At the end of the week, each group spends about one hour with the instructor to present the work they achieved during the week, debate case studies, and get further explanations about any unclear issues.
Knowledge Objectives
During the module, students will develop an understanding of the economics of innovation and intellectual property. They will be able to analyse business settings to understand the competitive and strategic implications of the digital economy, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of particular intellectual property approaches. They will also appreciate some strategic challenges that the economics of innovation and intellectual property present managers.
Skill Objectives
Students should develop the ability to:
Knowledge Objectives
During the module, students will develop an understanding of the economics of innovation and intellectual property. They will be able to analyse business settings to understand the competitive and strategic implications of the digital economy, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of particular intellectual property approaches. They will also appreciate some strategic challenges that the economics of innovation and intellectual property present managers.
Skill Objectives
Students should develop the ability to:
- Improve diagnostic and analytical skills;
- Enhance verbal skills via class and group discussions;
- Build up critical thinking and interpretation skills;
- Learn how to evaluate different strategic options;
- Assess and resolve managerial challenges.
Evaluation methods
The final grade is the weighted sum of two components:
- Final examination (50%)
The final examination assesses students’ individual understanding and ability to apply the concepts, frameworks, and analytical tools covered in the course. - Interactive group sessions and individual preparation (50%)
Students will take part in four interactive sessions, organised around learning assignments to be prepared in groups. This is the course’s continuous-assessment component; it cannot be retaken.- Group work and session performance (4/5 of the interactive part)
Before each session, groups must prepare the assigned learning activities and submit a slide deck by the deadline and in the format communicated by the instructor. During the session, groups will present and discuss their work. The instructor may select presenters at random; therefore, every group member must be prepared to present, explain, and discuss the group’s work. This component is assessed based on the quality of the group’s preparation and submitted material, as well as the group’s performance during the session, including its analysis, presentation, and engagement in discussion. The mark awarded for the group’s performance is a group mark, but it is not automatically awarded to every group member. To receive the group mark for a given session, a student must attend that session unless the absence is justified under the applicable university rules. Insufficient preparation, failure to participate adequately, or evidence of non-contribution may lead to an individual deduction from the group mark, including a mark of zero for the relevant session where appropriate.
- Group work and session performance (4/5 of the interactive part)
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- Individual preparation (1/5 of the interactive part)
Before each session, each student must submit or post an individual record of their preparation, in accordance with the instructions, deadline, and format communicated by the instructor. These individual submissions document each student’s engagement with the learning assignments and their understanding of the material.
- Individual preparation (1/5 of the interactive part)
- The marks obtained for the interactive group sessions and individual preparation are awarded once and for all. They are therefore retained unchanged and automatically carried forward to the second examination session.
- A student who does not pass the course after the first examination session may retake the final examination during the second session, in accordance with the applicable university regulations.
Other information
Use of Gen AI tools
Students are encouraged to use generative AI (Gen AI) tools to enhance their assignments—such as for brainstorming, structuring work, improving language, or exploring new ideas—provided that the final submission reflects individual understanding and meets academic standards. All use of Gen AI tools must be clearly acknowledged: for every assignment where these tools were used, include a brief statement specifying which tool was used, how it was used, and for what purpose. Undisclosed or unauthorized use—such as submitting AI-generated content as original work without acknowledgment—will be treated as an academic integrity violation.
Students remain responsible for critically evaluating any AI-provided output, ensuring accuracy, and complying with privacy guidelines by not submitting confidential data to AI platforms. If you are unsure about the acceptable use of AI in a specific assessment, please consult with the instructor first.
Students are encouraged to use generative AI (Gen AI) tools to enhance their assignments—such as for brainstorming, structuring work, improving language, or exploring new ideas—provided that the final submission reflects individual understanding and meets academic standards. All use of Gen AI tools must be clearly acknowledged: for every assignment where these tools were used, include a brief statement specifying which tool was used, how it was used, and for what purpose. Undisclosed or unauthorized use—such as submitting AI-generated content as original work without acknowledgment—will be treated as an academic integrity violation.
Students remain responsible for critically evaluating any AI-provided output, ensuring accuracy, and complying with privacy guidelines by not submitting confidential data to AI platforms. If you are unsure about the acceptable use of AI in a specific assessment, please consult with the instructor first.
Online resources
See the Moodle web site of the course.
Bibliography
All the teaching material is provided online.
Faculty or entity
