Course Syllabus

Course Description

In the past few years, the turbulence that the global economy has experienced has led to increasing uncertainties and changes, challenging growth expectations worldwide and highlighting the need for understanding economic strategies and competitiveness. As we reflect on what makes Sweden maintain its competitiveness in the global economy, we turn to the industries that play a key role in the economic growth and stability of the country.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to…

• Understand the concept of economic competitiveness and its significance in a changing global economy.
• Recognize the role of Swedish industries in the global market.
• Understand the role of industrial clusters in promoting competitiveness.
• Analyze the strengths and challenges of the Swedish economy.
• Explain the role of research and development in fostering competitiveness.
• Understand the significance of human capital in economic competitiveness.
• Identify strategies for enhancing international competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Faculty

Fairouz Hussien (Ph.D. Stockholm School of Economics; M.Sc. Hanken School of Economics; co-founder of the SSE Methods Lab) is the course director and main lecturer of the elective course Economic Competitiveness in a Changing Global Economy: Swedish Industries.

With experience in airline regulation and institutionalism, Fairouz approaches the study of economic competition through the lens of mesoeconomics, incorporating discussions of power and agency into those of global commercial success.

Carin Sjölin

Readings

This course uses multiple case studies combined with readings from Journals and news articles. All readings will be available in the Modules as the course progresses.

Field Studies

This course will have multiple field studies, for which we will often meet outside of DIS. This means that your awareness of announcements on Canvas is of heightened importance. Staying informed is your responsibility.

We will meet with representatives from different Swedish industries that play a key role in the economic growth and stability of the country. 

Assignments

Reflections: Students will be expected to write a short reflection after every single field study.

Activity points: Each student is expected to ask at least 10 questions in total from our guest lecturers.

Final Exam: a take-home exam.

Academic Regulations 

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org