The role of economics and economists in times of digital data

INET Young Scholars Workshop
following the INEM Conference
Campus San Giobbe, Ca' Foscari University of Venice
organized by
INET YSI Philosophy of Economics Working Group
May 26, 2023, 3-7 pm, Venice, Italy

These days we are witnessing PhD graduates in economics embarking on careers as data scientists in big tech companies. Economists have also a growing interest in the recent advancements in machine learning: some of them claim and hope that AI tools will improve empirical analysis and the evidential basis of economics. Financial markets are becoming automated – an increasing number of transactions on leading stock exchanges are made today by AI technology. When we look at the history of modern economics, we learn that computer technology played an important role in empirical and theoretical developments of economic research since the end of World War II. We believe that the time is ripe for methodologists and philosophers of economics to contribute to the broader discussion about digitalization, datafication, and computerization of economic research and societal consequences of these trends.

In this workshop, we will raise questions about the transformation of the economics discipline by computer technologies and the role of economists in production and use of digital data. The event will consist of short interventions by the invited speakers and interactive workshop involving all participants via group work and general discussion. In the evening, we will have a social dinner with all the participants.

*Speakers: *Maria Savona (University of Sussex, TBC), Melissa Vergara-Fernández (Erasmus University Rotterdam) & Don Ross (University College Cork)

How to apply for the workshop
Please submit a 200-word expression of interest in participation in the workshop to both organizers and include an answer to the following question: “How, in your opinion, the current advancements in digital technologies are transforming the discipline of economics and the role of economists?” The application is open to young scholars who are master or PhD students. To enrich the conversations, we also welcome applications from those who do not fit this category, subject to a limited number of spots. The deadline is April 1st, 2023.

How to apply for partial financial support
We have some limited financial funds available to partially cover the travel expenses of young scholars who do not have support from their home institutions. To apply for, please mention the need in your application letter.

Organizers & Contact
Merve Burnazoglu (Utrecht University School of Economics, m.burnazoglu@uu.nl),
Magdalena Małecka (Aarhus University, Aarhus Institute for Advanced Studies, magdalena.malecka@aias.au.dk).