A86031 Economics and the city - How to use financial and economic analysis to shape cities

The course is designed to foster students’ ability to integrate theory and conceptual understanding with practical experience and implementation. Note: practical application sessions are based on case studies and in class team work. 

Practical application. Students learn how to manage a set of tools for the financial and economic analysis of territorial investment projects. The course requires university level knowledge of corporate financial analysis and statistics for social sciences. Theory. The students learn some basic theory in urban economics, economic geography and industrial policy. 

The course aims to provide students with the economic and financial analysis tools necessary to design, assess and manage investment projects that depend on local economic factors and influence local economic development. Both corporate and public investment projects will be considered, particularly those with real estate and infrastructural components. The objective is to empower students with the capacity to interpret and carry out territory-based investment projects. The course integrates different disciplines (regional and urban economics, corporate finance, urban planning) endowing students with an original set of analytical tools to be implemented in the field.

Both public and private sectors need well-trained professionals to analyze and manage investment projects rooted in specific urban territory and aimed at boosting local economic performance. These professionals help optimize ROI, reduce investment risk, and maximize positive economic impact, which in turn help cities, regions, or real estate owners/developers and attract private investment.

The course will consist of six three-hour sessions that merge theory and practical application.