73-366 Designing the Digital Economy

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This class analyzes the economics of e-commerce and technology. It will identify the critical features that differentiate the technology firms from traditional industries, and examine the implications for business strategy. The class will discuss topics such as network effects, switching costs, and platform markets. To complement the economic theory, we will also consider a case study of a firm each week. These have three aims: to provide applications for the concepts developed in the lectures; to inform you about different industries; and to help develop your written, rhetorical and presentation skills.

Prerequisites: (21-268 or 21-254 or 21-269 or 21-256 or 21-259) and 73-230 and (73-274 or 73-407 or 36-220 or 36-226 or 70-208 or 73-374 or 36-202 or 36-208 or 73-265)

Offered: Spring 2026

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