The word “digitization” is often surrounded by hype, suggesting an entirely novel economy governed by new rules. Academic economists, however, have looked beyond the buzz, focusing on how digitization - at its core - has primarily reduced the costs of storing and transferring data. These changes have led to the evolution of new business models, and have made certain economic phenomena more prevalent. In some cases, the changes brought by digitization may have contributed to market failures, prompting debates among economists about whether intervention by policymakers or antitrust authorities may be necessary.

The first part of this talk will give insights into research on competition in digital markets, focusing on industry dynamics in software markets, and on competition on online marketplaces. These topics will be connected to concepts and tools learned in undergraduate and graduate Economics programs.

The second (shorter) part will cover career options for Economists in academia, and will provide a glimpse of the responsibilities and day-to-day work of researchers at academic institutions.