PURPOSE

The purpose of this course is to introduce the methods of Empirical Industrial Organization. The course will cover key economic techniques to empirically analyze competition in markets. The course will combine lectures and hands-on sessions during which real industry data sets will be used to conduct econometric estimations in R (or STATA).

After the course you should be able to undertake basic quantitative analysis aimed at assessing functioning of the markets. You should also learn how to interpret and critically evaluate different empirical methods, as well as understand what the data requirements for applying various techniques are.

The course will consist of two parts. Part I will be an introduction into theoretical methods, programming in R and estimation of homogenous demand and supply systems covered in 5 online sessions. Part II will focus on applications such as collusion, mergers, effects of entry and others (also 5 online sessions).

LECTURERS

• Prof Lukasz Grzybowski, University of Cape Town: lukasz.grzybowski@uct.ac.za
• Dr Ryan Hawthorne, Acacia Economics: ryan@acaciaeconomics.com
• Melissa Newham, KU Leuven University: melissa.newham@gmail.com

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE?

The course will take place on Zoom platform (an invite will be distributed to participants). The course is open to graduate students in economics, staff at South African universities, research institutes and other organizations involved in applied economic research. Researchers and graduate students from outside South Africa can also participate. Please note a stable internet connection is a prerequisite for attending this course.

To enroll in the course, please, send an email with brief background info and motivation to: lukasz.grzybowski@uct.ac.za