Topics in Spatial Economics: Economics of Digitalisation

In this seminar we are going to analyse various aspects of the Economics of Digitisation in order to obtain a better understanding of the impact of the internet, in particular social media and international interconnectedness on any forms on economic activity. One important factor is that the internet mitigates information costs considerably as well as often rendering space insignificant. Students can largely decide which particular topic they find most interesting. However, it is essential that topics are analysed using state of the art scientific literature as well as empirical analysis. Ultimately, we want to carry out an empirical project in student groups on a topic to be chosen by the students.

 Potential areas of interest could be:

• Does the internet render physical proximity unnecessary?
• Is the internet replacing or complementing stationary economic activity?
• How important is the internet for innovation?