ECONOMICS OF INNOVATION 4.0

The course "Economics of Innovation 4.0" explores how technology is transforming the global economy. This course is particularly useful for students who do not study economics, as it will provide an essential understanding of the economic dynamics influenced by technology, which are crucial in any field. We will specifically study the main current challenges related to innovation, such as automation, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the Internet of Things (IoT). We will analyze how these technologies impact work, productivity, and business competitiveness. We will also delve into associated risks, such as economic inequality and cybersecurity, examining strategies for sustainable and inclusive innovation.

- Understand economic dynamics: Gain a clear understanding of how emerging technologies influence the global economy and market structures.

- Analyze innovation challenges: Identify and evaluate the main challenges and opportunities presented by automation, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

- Assess the impact on work and productivity: Examine how new technologies affect work, productivity, and business competitiveness, and how these dynamics can be managed across various sectors.

- Identify associated risks: Recognize the potential risks associated with technological innovation, such as economic inequality and cybersecurity, and understand measures to mitigate them.

- Propose strategies for sustainable innovation: Develop strategies and policies to promote technological innovation that is sustainable and inclusive, considering the economic and social implications.

- Apply interdisciplinary knowledge: Integrate economic knowledge with that from other fields of study, applying it to specific contexts to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.

No prerequisites required.

1. Introduction to Innovation 4.0
- Definition and overview of Industry 4.0
- Importance of technological innovation in the modern economy

2. Economic Dynamics and Technology
- How emerging technologies influence the global economy
- Market structures and technological changes

3. Automation and Robotics
- Principles of automation
- Impact of automation on productivity and employment

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
- Applications of AI in various sectors
- Challenges and opportunities of AI

5. Digitalization
- Basic concepts of digitalization
- Effects of digitalization on business processes and business models

6. Internet of Things (IoT)
- Introduction to the Internet of Things
- Applications of IoT in industry and daily life

7. Impact on Work and Productivity
- How technologies influence work and productivity
- Case studies and sectoral analysis

8. Business Competitiveness
- Strategies to maintain competitiveness in the digital age
- Innovation and competitive advantage

9. Risks Associated with Innovation
- Economic inequality
- Cybersecurity
- Other emerging risks

10. Sustainable and Inclusive Innovation
- Principles of sustainability in technological innovation
- Policies and strategies for inclusive innovation

11. Interdisciplinary Analysis
- Integration of economic knowledge with other fields of study
- Application to specific contexts

12. Conclusions and Future Prospects
- Synthesis of covered concepts
- Future trends in technological innovation

- Digital Transformation: Survive and Thrive in an Era of Mass Extinction", Thomas M. Siebel
- HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leading Digital Transformation, M.Porter at al, Harvard Business Review, 2021
- L- Fazio, T. Corà et al., Futures by design. Progettare innovazione nella complessità, Guerini Next, 2023

A presentation in which, starting from some topics discussed in class, a practical case is hypothesized in order to apply the principles of innovation and digitization. The aim is to avoid an oral repetition of theoretical notions, but to try to imagine operational and practical applications of Theories.

The course will be structured through practical testimonials, involving companies that will demonstrate how they understand and apply innovation. Representatives of institutions and expert consultants will be invited, who will share their experiences and success strategies. The main objective is to highlight in a practical and operational way what it really means to do business innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to see concrete examples of innovative projects and to understand the methodologies and tools used to implement change and improve competitiveness. This experiential approach will guarantee direct and applicable learning in the professional context.

Italian

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development