The world of economics is not a collection of isolated actors but a web of intricate social networks. Recognizing that "it's a small world," where social structures fundamentally shape economic activities, is crucial for a deeper understanding of economic processes. The course delves into that interconnected landscape, shifting the analytical spotlight onto the intricate interdependencies that bind actors, organizations, and regions.

The course is an incisive introduction to the network paradigm crucial to understanding economic development. It introduces core concepts and instruments essential for network data scrutiny, encompassing centrality measures, network topographies, and network dynamics. Moreover, it offers guidance on using R for conducting social network analyses