Master

VAK

Course Title

Lecturer

Industrial Organization: Innovation 

Seminar

The course is divided into two parts. In the first part, the students will learn models about the role of innovation, R&D, and intellectual property rights on market outcomes like prices, quality, or product variety. They will learn how innovation is affected by horizontal mergers of rival firms, and by vertical mergers of firms within the same value chain.

In the second part, the students will get together in teams and write a paper on innovation theories of harm in merger control. This paper might be geared towards a journal like the Journal of Competition Law and Economics. For example, the students will review recent mergers and analyze how these mergers affected innovation in the market. To acquaint the students with the research and publication process in economics, these term papers will be presented in class and peer reviewed by other students.

You can find dates and additional informationin Stud.IP.

Project Module: Economics of Innovation

Project Plenary Session

In the project module, students undertake a larger research project. This module is designed to deepen the knowledge acquired in previous coursework and apply it to a complex, policy-relevant research question. The course serves as a preparatory step toward writing a thesis, guiding students through the essential stages of academic inquiry.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped to select and narrow down a research topic, formulate a clear and focused research question, and conduct a comprehensive literature review. They will learn to choose appropriate analytical methods and apply game-theoretic models to investigate their topic. Additionally, students will gain experience in sourcing and empirically analyzing relevant data.

Beyond academic competencies, the course also fosters career-relevant and social skills. Students will practice independent work, coordination, and effective time management. They will engage in teamwork, navigate group dynamics, and refine their oral and written presentation techniques. Importantly, they will learn to manage complexity – an essential skill in both research and professional environments.

A file with more information about the course contents will be provided in September 2026. Click the "files" tab.

You can find dates and additional information in Stud.IP.