Eco­nom­ics and Polit­ic­al Eco­nomy of AI

About

Artificial intelligence is transforming economies, societies, and global politics. This course examines AI through the lens of economics and political economy, focusing on how it affects productivity, innovation, labor markets, inequality, regulation, and international competition. We begin with the economic foundations of AI as a general-purpose technology and then turn to the institutional, regulatory, and societal implications. Case studies and current events are used throughout to connect theory with practice.

Students should expect a mix of lectures, discussions, and applied case analyses. Readings will come primarily from recent edited volumes and contemporary research rather than a single textbook. Because of this, weekly preparation and active participation are essential. Assessments will emphasize critical thinking and application, through short essays, policy memos, and group projects.

This is an undergraduate course designed for students with an introductory background in economics. While basic economic concepts (such as supply and demand) will be assumed, they will also be reviewed to ensure all students can fully engage with the material. No technical background in computer science is required.

Learning objectives
By the end of the course, students will not only gain a broad understanding of how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies, but also develop the analytical tools to critically evaluate these changes. More specifically, students will be able to:

Explain AI as a technology and apply economic models to predict effects on things such as productivity, diffusion lags, labor demand, wages, and distributional outcomes, being sure to state key assumptions.

Evaluate regulatory and political-economy trade-offs regarding AI (such as efficiency, innovation, risk, fairness, data externalities) using (welfare) economic analysis.

Construct and defend a clear, evidence-based position on a contemporary AI issue, integrating relevant economic models and political-economy perspectives, and acknowledging limitations

Course leader

Moira Daly - Department of Economics (ECON)

Target group

This is a bachelor level course. CBS Summer University courses at Copenhagen Business School is open to all and welcomes domestic and international students as well as professionals

Fee info