Spillteori og optimering for økonomi: Moderne informasjons- og telekommunikasjonsnettverker

Game Theory and Optimization for Economics: Modern Information and Telecommunication Networks is an intensive PhD course over 5 days given by Dr. Bruno Tuffin, INRIA and University of Rennes, France.

This course provides in-depth knowledge how the methods of game theory, continuous optimization and auction theory are applied for analysis of important problems in modern economics. Selected application field is modern information economics and in particular, Internet and Internet based services, communication networks. The course is naturally divided into two submodules. Submodule 1 (2 days) deals with methodology: overview of basic notions of continuous optimization, game theory and auction theory, which are important for economic analysis. Submodule 2 (3 days) provides the students with practical knowledge how the concepts from Submodule 1 are used for analysis of different phenomena in information economics. In order to cement the student’s knowledge, the students will be asked to explore further relevant economic themes writing essays on approved topics. In this way, the course will present a balance of theory and practice, giving comprehensive overview of relevant mathematical optimization and game theoretical models together with the key issues in telecommunication network economics. The mathematical foundations enable the reader to understand the economic issues arising at this pivotal time in network economics, from business, research and political perspectives. Some of the practical examples include app stores, volume-based pricing, auctions for advertisements, search engine business models, the network neutrality debate, the relationship between mobile operators and mobile virtual network operators, and the economics of Security.

Lectures and case study/problem solving sessions. For case studies, the students will need an access to a computer with internet connection (for data search and download) and a suitable implementation software, such as Matlab. The case studies will end in writing short essays and small presentations by students. The course will end with a take-home written exam and the final assessment is done by combining the grade for the essays (50 %) with the grade for the exam (50 %).