Applied fields of economics

There is a basic theory and facts in economics, in which all economists are interested. However, economics has some main applied fields that deal with specific topics, such as industrial economics, agricultural economics, economics of energy, economics of education, labour economics, etc.

Industrial organization and structure are studied by industrial economics which also analyzes markets for manufactured goods as well as policies of various enterprises. The degree of concentration and barriers against new competitors in the market have already been analyzed by industrial economics for such important branches of economy as mining, gas, and oil industries, etc. The behaviour of firms and companies in an industry is influenced by the structure of the industry. Both profits and losses in any industry are affected by the behaviour of firms and companies engaged in the industry.

The economics of energy is known as another important field of applied economics closely connected with industrial economics. A lot of energy has been used by the modern economy in recent decades. Farms, factories, plants, transportation as well as families have greatly increased the consumption of various sources of energy since new modern equipment and technologies were introduced.

In the past, wood and coal were used as the main sources оf energy. Then, these sources were replaced by gas and oil in most industries. However, in the 1970s energy sources became scarce and there was a rise in energy prices. Since that time serious adjustments have been made by industrial economies in order to cope with the energy scarcity.

For the last few decades the problems of energy economics have been discussed by specialists and governments in many countries. Regular meetings are held by the OPEC¹ formed in order to regulate oil prices.

Пояснения к тексту

¹OPEC — Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries — ОПЕК (Организация стран - экспортеров нефти)

Ответьте на вопросы к тексту

1. What topics do applied fields in economics deal with?

2. What does industrial economics study?

3. What influences profits and losses in any industry?

4. Why is economics of energy closely connected with industrial economics?

5. What were the main sources of energy in the past?

6. Why were adjustments made in most industries in the 1970s?

7. How are prices for oil regulated now?