This course considers a core set of public finance topics. While the focus is on “public” management, we will discuss some themes that originate in the “private” sector and that governments apply to their budgets. Indeed, such “private” tools have become increasingly popular around the world. Many of the “innovations” in financial management have first happened in the United Kingdom. You will learn more about how the British system works in this class. Other countries will have lessons for us as well, however, including the Netherlands, Sweden, and of course Germany. The first two days consider the context for priority- setting in government and debt management. The third day starts with a presentation from you of your group work. We then finish with “hot” themes, such as the private sector in public finance initiatives as well as digitalization.
Main learning objectives:
• A basic understanding of “fiscal management”,
• What it is
• How to evaluate it
• What governments do, and try to do
• Quick overview of contemporary themes
• Digitalization
• Public Finance Initiatives
• Fiscal Challenges
Teaching style:
Most sessions begin with a lecture that summarizes the key material. We discuss questions that the students have prepared before the class. There is one team assignment and one session where the student teams present their work.