Regional policy

Teacher(s)

Monfort Philippe;

Language

English

Main themes

The object of the class is the analysis of the main regional economic issues relevant for the EU. In particular, it aims at examining the extent and the evolution of regional disparities in Europe as well as the instruments provided by economic theory for the analysis of such phenomenon. The class also tackles the answers provided by economic policy to regional disparities and notably describes the elements constituting the interventions of the EU in the framework of its regional policy as well the evaluation of its relevance and impact.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	The objective of the class is to provide students with the factual and theoretical knowledge regarding the problematic of regional development and regional disparities, in general and in the specific context of the European Union (EU). Such knowledge will be developed so as to help students to formulate a critical analysis of the policies implemented by the EU under the objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion.

Content

The class starts with a description of regional disparities in the EU, measured under various dimensions (GDP per capita, growth, unemployment, education, R&D). It then presents the principles of two important fields of economics that are used to address such issues, namely growth theory and economic geography. On this basis, the class discusses different options in terms of regional development and regional policy. The last part of the class is devoted to the description of the EU regional policy, the analysis of its implementation modalities as well as the evaluations of its impact of the regions of the EU.

Teaching methods

The class is based on a serie of presentations by the professor in charge, followed by exchanges with the students. The concepts developed in class are illustrated by a number of real-life examples borrowed from the actual implementation of the EU regional policy. The class takes place face-to-face in a UCL class room. 

Evaluation methods

Written examination. The criterion are the good knowledge of the concepts explained in class and the capacity to use them in developing a well-structured argument on some topics relative to the EU regional policy.  

Bibliography

The bibliography varies with the specific topics addresed and will be communicated during the class. 

Faculty or entity

EURO