Urban Economics: Key Drivers of City Development

About

Why do cities exist? Why do firms cluster? Why is economic activity not equally distributed across space? This course addresses the central questions of why cities emerge, what roles cities will continue to play in the economy, and what determines the rise and fall of cities.

Technically, the course provides an introduction to the field of urban economics. It focuses on stylized facts, basic microeconomic concepts, and empirical applications. Special attention is paid to social problems in cities, including housing, public transit, crime, and the role of local governments.

The course aims to make students familiar with economic tools and concepts useful for the analysis of urban issues. More generally, students learn to apply economic theory to real-world problems. A special focus will be placed on evidence and examples from Berlin.

With its long and vibrant history, Berlin provides an excellent environment to study and explore various features of the economics of cities. Field trips allow participants to learn more about the past and the future of cities, their functions, their internal spatial structure, and their dynamics.

Course leader

Prof. Dr. Volker Nitsch

Target group

The course is open to students from all disciplines. Elementary knowledge of economics and statistics is desirable.

Fee info