The course aims to analyze the interactions that exist between economic systems and formal and informal institutions, and to study both from a theoretical and an empirical perspective different approaches to public policy intervention in the economy.

Particular attention is devoted to analyzing the role of government and its influence on the economy and the role of the public sector in the promotion of sustainable economic development.

Typical tools of law and regulation will be presented and advanced public economic topics such as fiscal federalism, tax evasion, and tax competition.

The final part of the course focuses on public policies for the environment, and it introduces methods for cost-benefit analysis and counterfactual policy evaluation.

The course's emphasis will be on understanding how the theoretical tools can be applied to analyze real-world issues. To this end, empirical evidence and case studies will be widely discussed in light of the theory. 

At the end of the course, the students will be able to master state-of-the-art economic tools necessary to evaluate the financial sustainability of public policies and to assess the potential impact of public policy interventions for sustainable development. 

The course combines traditional lectures with empirical applications aimed at applying concepts previously introduced. Both traditional lectures and empirical sessions aim at fostering participation and class discussion. Collection of readings and case studies will be indicated during the course.