Бакалавриат
2026/2027
Экономика сетей
Статус:
Курс по выбору (Совместная программа по экономике НИУ ВШЭ и РЭШ)
Где читается:
Факультет экономических наук
Когда читается:
2-й курс, 1 модуль
Охват аудитории:
для своего кампуса
Язык:
английский
Кредиты:
3
Контактные часы:
32
Course Syllabus
Abstract
We live in a connected society, and these connections can have a huge impact on our lives. With the rise of social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc), it has become clear that social networks can influence what we know, what we buy, and how we vote. However, connections (or networks) have always been influential to our lives. For instance, it is common knowledge that personal connections (Social Networks) matter in finding jobs. Similarly, the financial crisis of 2007-2008 was driven by connections between banks (Financial Networks). And finally, the global economy depends on trading connections/relationships between countries (Trade Networks). This course provides an introduction to the Economics of Networks. We will consider how network structures impact behavior, which network structures are likely to emerge in a society, and the overall influence of various networks on economic and social outcomes.
We will mainly focus on theoretical parts of the literature; however, this field began mainly theoretical, and so we will be able to cover many of the seminal papers.
Learning Objectives
- Model social, economic, and organizational systems as networks, identifying key structural properties and their implications for agent behavior. Apply game-theoretic and computational tools to analyze strategic interactions, diffusion processes, and risk propagation in networked environments. Evaluate network vulnerabilities (e.g., contagion, cascades, systemic risk) and design targeted interventions to enhance resilience and efficiency. Design evidence-based strategies for managing digital platforms, supply chains, organizational structures, and public policies, accounting for network effects. Critically assess the societal and ethical implications of networked systems, including inequality, polarization, and algorithmic bias.
Course Contents
- Introduction to Networks
- Network Formation
- Games Played on Networks
- Networked Markets
- Other Influences of Networks
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Connections: an introduction to the economics of networks, Goyal, S., 2007
- Newman, M., Watts, D. J., and Barabási, A. The Structure and Dynamics of Networks. – Princeton University Press, 2006. – 592 pp.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Carpenter, C., Duygulu, S., Montgomery, A. H., & Rapp, A. (2014). Explaining the Advocacy Agenda: Insights from the Human Security Network. International Organization, 2, 449.
- Connections : an introduction to the economics of networks, Goyal, S., 2007