ECO 4002: INTERNET ECONOMICS

In an ever-changing world, Information and Communication Technological (ICT) change both influences policy decisions and is influenced by policy. This course looks at the interaction of policy and technological change from both directions. Throughout the course, we will use examples from current policy debates to highlight important issues. The course begins with an introduction to the economic analysis of knowledge. We begin by discussing the role that knowledge plays in the economic growth of nations. This course is a broad overview of the economic structure and growth of the modern economy focusing on the effect and impact of emerging ICT technologies on industry, employment, financial markets and market structure. It presents an overview of economics and the Internet, covering basic macro and microeconomic topics. We begin by describing the role of innovation and technology in economic growth, including growth models and a comparison of the industrial and information revolutions. Within this framework, we discuss the emergence of the Internet as a foundation for the information economy. The macroeconomic section includes both domestic and international topics: measuring economic activity and electronic commerce. We then explore Internet Models and how the Internet is changing industries and market structures, from production and cost structures to market pricing. We discuss different Technology using and manufacturing company models. We also discuss briefly topics in health, environment and energy economics. This course being purely online, I expect students to always keep the schedule in mind and participate in the course discussion forums for each module. Participation in discussion forums is mandatory.

Goals of the course: The main objective of this course is for you to learn how to think critically about

issues relating to ICT. Upon completion of this course, you should be able to explain the economic rationale for government involvement in science policy, and be able to discuss what the impact of such involvement will be on businesses. In particular, it is hoped that this course will provide you with a better understanding of current issues relating to science of ICT and innovation.