F1IS 4460 - The Defense Market : Economic, Industrial and Technological Drivers

This course provides an introduction to the defence market, exploring its key economic, industrial and technological drivers. Following a general introduction on defence economics, the course is divided into two parts.

Part One focuses on national contexts and the functioning of domestic arms market. It aims at underlining the unique characteristics of public decision-making, the demand’s influence on the supply side and the role of supply security in shaping economic mechanisms.

Part Two addresses the international dimensions of the defence sector, with particular emphasis on defence value chain and the Europeanisation of the defence industry. This evolution has now become a prerequisite for long-term viability of the domestic industrial base in medium-sized countries.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the characteristics of demand and supply-side stakeholders in defence markets

Elucidate domestic dynamics related to security of supply and strategic autonomy

Assess international dynamics related to exports and the internationalisation of value chains

Analyse the interactions between national and EU regulations

Understand the process of decision-making for defence programmes

Professional Skills:

Evaluate both quantitative and qualitative parameters of defense markets

Identify key stakeholders in the design and implementation of defence industrial strategy

Analyse the trade-offs between political and economic factors in armament policymaking

Assess the specificities of innovation process for defence capabilities

Produce armament-related policy briefs

Basic notions in economics

Group Presentation

Ex ante support to preparation of group presentation and recommendations

Feedbacks on the presentation at the end of the session

Written final exam

Individual assessment of skills and acquired knowledge when delivering the grades

10% Participation Grade – to be assessed on the commitment to each week’s main topics and contribution to the general discussion during the session.

30% Group Presentation – Each group must present a topic related to the session’s theme through a critical analysis of readings indicated in the syllabus and beyond. Groups will be formed on the first day of course.

60% Written final exam – Essay as a policy brief analysing a specific question and providing recommendations to decision-makers. The questions will be sent by mail and you have one week to send your essay.

In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester (gathered 2 x 2 hours over 12 days)

Online learning activities: 1 hour a week / 24 hours a semester

Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 16 hours a semester (final exam)