https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/ECBS6257?type=COREOverview. The field of development economics attempts to understand why some countries are poor while others are rich. This overarching question can be broken into many smaller questions, such as why farmers in poor countries do not adopt technologies, why firms are mismanaged, why some markets are missing, why government services are inadequate, how these barriers limit economic development, and what policies can do to eliminate these barriers. The study of these questions can be called the microeconomics of development. This course is an introduction to selected topics in this area, focusing especially on private sector development, i.e., the role of firms. Topics will include financial markets, technology adoption, management, networks and indirect effects, e-commerce, and market access. Studying these topics should lead to an improved understanding of the causes and mechanisms of underdevelopment in the private sector; a realistic picture of how real-life businesses function; and familiarity with modern data and empirical methods in economics. The course will cover current and recent research papers while remaining broadly accessible. One goal is to identify topics for MA and PhD dissertation research. Who should take this course? This course is primarily intended for MA and PhD students in the department of economics. Advanced students in the department of public policy and other departments are also welcome. Some familiarity with regression analysis is helpful, but the course has no formal prerequisites and understanding the material does not require sophisticated technical skills. However, the course requires serious conceptual engagement and has a relatively high workload.