International Economic and Financial Relations

The course examines the main economic issues related to the labor market and the healthcare system. On the one hand, it explores the mechanisms governing labor supply and demand, wage formation, employment, unemployment, and active labor market policies. On the other hand, it focuses on the economics of health, analyzing the organization, financing, and efficiency of healthcare systems, as well as inequalities in access to care. The course combines theoretical models with empirical data and case studies, highlighting the interaction between working conditions, well-being, and public health. Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of public policies, the evaluation of interventions, and the effects of socioeconomic transformations on labor and health. The aim is to provide analytical tools to understand and address these two fundamental areas of applied economics. Part I of the course (36hours – 4,5 ECTS) Starting from individual labor supply, the course examines the factors influencing firms’ labor demand and the interaction between supply and demand that determines labor market equilibrium. It then explores human capital theory, analyzing how education, experience, and skills affect wages. Labor mobility is also studied, with particular attention to migration phenomena. Finally, the course addresses unemployment in its various forms, investigating its economic causes and the main policy measures to counter it. Part II of the course (36 hours – 4,5 ECTS) Beginning with the analysis of healthcare demand, with a particular focus on the agency relationship between doctor and patient, the course proceeds to examine the supply of healthcare services. Considerable space is devoted to information economics, healthcare insurance markets, and risk management, including the organization and regulation of insurance. The National Health Service is then compared with other healthcare systems using efficiency and performance indicators to assess sustainability. Finally, interdisciplinary topics are addressed: environment and health; institutions and health; social capital and health; inequalities and health; pandemic and the NHS; hospital sector performance.

There are no particular prerequisites for other courses.

R. Levaggi, S. Capri. 2008. Economia sanitaria. FrancoAngeli Editore G Borjas. 2010. Economia del lavoro (a cura di Del Boca, Del Boca, Cappellari, Venturini). Brioschi Editore.

1) Frontal lectures to acquire the theoretical economic models of reference 2) Frontal classes to apply the acquired theoretical economic models of reference 3) Seminars and / or group work for research and analysis of specific cases

Attendance to the course is not mandatory but recommended. However, among the elements considered for students' evaluation are active participation and the ability to reason and study independently.

Written exam (1 test, duration 60 minutes): open-ended questions on labor market and health; open-ended questions on public spending programs related to unemployment, education, welfare, social assistance, and health; numerical exercises where applicable. Oral exam (optional, to complement the written exam, variable duration): same type of questions as in the written exam, on the same topics. Elements considered for assessment: attendance (although not mandatory), active participation, reasoning ability, and capacity for independent study. Objective of the written and oral exams: to assess the knowledge acquired by the student during the course.

R. Levaggi, S. Capri. 2008. Economia sanitaria. FrancoAngeli Editore G Borjas. 2010. Economia del lavoro (a cura di Del Boca, Del Boca, Cappellari, Venturini). Brioschi Editore

1) Lectures to acquire the relevant theoretical economic models. 2) Practical exercises to apply the acquired theoretical economic models. 3) Presentations / flipped classrooms for research and analysis of specific case studies.