OVERVIEW

The course in Territorial Economics provides an in-depth examination of the mechanisms governing the spatial distribution of firms, productive factors, and population. Starting from classical location models and progressing to the most recent theories on agglomeration and territorial resilience, the lectures combine empirical analysis and case studies to illustrate how infrastructure, innovation, and public policies shape the competitiveness and sustainability of local systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of the theory of the location of productive activities and the spatial distribution of economic activities, as well as of analytical models related to regional economies and territorial development policies, including those framed within an environmental perspective.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand and apply the main theoretical models of the location of productive activities, with particular attention to the historical evolution of territorial systems and the interpretation of industrial and urban dynamics.
• Critically analyze the phenomena of economic agglomeration, urbanization, and regional development, evaluating the key determinants of territorial competitiveness and the conditions that foster the emergence of productive districts, city-regions, and innovation hubs.
• Interpret the economic and spatial effects of infrastructures, globalization processes, and public policies, with a focus on resilience, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.
• Use empirical tools for territorial analysis, including socio-economic indicators, official statistical sources, and quantitative methods for analyzing disparities, productive concentration, and settlement transformations.
• Develop and effectively communicate an applied territorial analysis, through the writing of short reports, the use of thematic maps, and the presentation of project work, demonstrating synthesis skills, critical reasoning, and teamwork.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of economics and descriptive statistics.

TEACHING METHODS

• Lectures
• Statistical labs
• Guided case discussions
• Group project work

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

SECTION I – Fundamentals of Applied Economics

• Regional development and local communities
• Location and attractiveness: industrial models
• Urban economics: global cities, agglomeration, economic base
• Rural economy and eco-compatible districts
• Space and globalization: global regions and regionalism

SECTION II – Monographic Topics in Territorial Economics

• Crisis, diversification, and territorial resilience
• Sustainable development in local districts
• Demographics, urbanization, and changes in settlement systems
• Socio-economic disparities and territorial planning
• Empirical research in applied economics (variables, methods, statistical sources)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Maialetti M., Scarpitta D., Salvati L., Spazio e sviluppo. Percorsi di economia del territorio. Edizioni Bonanno, 2024.
• Papers and statistical reports provided on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First week of the second semester, according to the academic calendar approved by DISTAV.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam with both multiple-choice and open-ended questions
Empirical exercises based on datasets
Project work with a written report and a brief presentation

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment verifies mastery of theoretical models, the ability to critically interpret territorial data, and the effectiveness in presenting results. Evaluation criteria include:

• theoretical accuracy
• application skills
• clarity and communicative synthesis

FURTHER INFORMATION

All materials, announcements, and exercises will be published on AulaWeb. Students with specific needs are encouraged to contact the instructor or the designated DSA representative.