The School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS), through the Department of Economics and the Center for Business and Economics Research (CBER), opens the call for papers for its fourth international conference: Rethinking Economics in the Contemporary World.
The development of technology, the immediate effects of climate change, complex geopolitical situations, substantial migration, rapid urbanization, increasing income inequality, the emergence of digital economies, and global health crises have all amplified uncertainties and accelerated changes in the economic landscape, underscoring the imperative for better insights and new perspectives in economics profession. This year's conference recognizes the new paradigms and shifts in economic thinking. While the utilization of rich data sets and sophisticated methods aids in achieving a better understanding of complex problems, it also amplifies controversies.
We encourage scholars and researchers from around the world to consider presenting their work as we understand that different perspectives, methodologies, and frames of reference create a more nuanced understanding of social and economic issues at local, national, and global scales. The Subthemes of this year’s conference are:
Evolving Dynamics in Inflation and Monetary Policy
The landscape of inflation and monetary policy has undergone a notable shift, challenging traditional paradigms. The global economy has witnessed a departure from the low inflation environment that characterized the post-financial crisis era, as various factors such as supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have introduced new dynamics. This shift has prompted a growing recognition of the limitations associated with conventional monetary policy tools. Notably, the emergence of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and the acknowledgment of sellers' inflation as a primary driver of inflation further challenge established notions. Submissions exploring these novel dimensions of inflation and monetary policy are encouraged within this sub-theme.
Innovation, Productivity and Competitiveness
Innovation and competitiveness are essential to enhance economic resilience. This sub-theme will explore topics like technology transfer and adoption, competitiveness, globalization, labor productivity, and innovation so countries can adapt to the changing economic landscapes and stimulate growth, particularly in the global south. Thus, the related technical sessions will create a debate around these firm-level issues and suggest transformative measures for resilient economic systems.
Digital Transformation: Insights from Complex Economic Data
Uncovering meaningful insights from large and complex economic datasets is a crucial task for economists and an opportunity to unearth complex and nuanced insights into social and economic phenomena. By harnessing insights from complex economic data, this subtheme will examine the role of digital transformation in enhancing economic resilience and enabling economies to thrive amidst uncertainties and capitalize on opportunities for development. Overall, the use of machine learning, AI, and big data presents both exciting opportunities and challenges for economists and social and data scientists to study non-linear relationships governing social and economic exchanges. Papers addressing and appreciating such issues are particularly welcomed under this theme.
Teaching of Economics
Economists widely agree that a key objective of undergraduate economics education is to empower students to think critically and apply economic principles effectively. This typically involves teaching students to analyze trade-offs, recognize opportunity costs, understand positive, normative, and pragmatic approaches, identify incentives, understanding the consequences of aggregation, and assumptions in theoretical models. Despite these strengths, there is significant criticism of current teaching methods and textbooks in undergraduate economics education. Many argue that the discipline falls short of preparing students for a more just, sustainable, and democratic world, where citizens are equipped to understand and address pressing societal challenges through informed debate. To foster ongoing discussion, we've incorporated this theme into our efforts to enhance teaching and curriculum development in economics.
Law, Institutions, and Economics
Why do certain laws exhibit greater efficiency than others? What factors contribute to institutions producing laws that establish a more favorable incentive structure in economic markets compared to others? How does the intricate interplay between institutions, laws, and economics influence long-term prosperity and development? These questions delve into the complex relationships that define the efficiency of legal systems, the role of institutions in shaping incentive structures, and the overall impact on societal well-being and economic progress. Submissions exploring any facet of law and economics, encompassing topics such as property rights, contract enforcement, the economics of privacy, crime and punishment, as well as institutions, both economic and political, in both formal and informal capacities, are invited for consideration within this thematic framework.
Environment, Energy and Growth Nexus
This sub-theme will explore approaches to building economic resilience amidst environmental challenges. It will examine strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving natural resources. Additionally, we welcome papers that investigate the role of green technology and sustainable practices in harnessing renewable energy sources, along with innovative policies that strive to harmonize economic development and environmental sustainability.
Cities and Infrastructure
Improving urban resilience and sustainable infrastructure is crucial for promoting economic resilience in developing regions. This sub-theme focuses on enhancing economic resilience in urban areas by integrating real estate, transport economics, and sustainable infrastructure. Key topics include the role of real estate in urban development, the impact of sustainable practices on property markets, and the economic implications of transportation infrastructure. This session will explore how a comprehensive approach to urban planning, which considers these factors, can lead to inclusive growth, improved quality of life, and economic stability in the face of challenges like natural disasters, rapid urbanization, and migration.
Human Development and Inclusion
This subtheme aims to decode the intersection of health, education, financial inclusion, digital economy, and holistic well-being. Investments in human development enhance the adaptive capacity of communities to address vulnerabilities and build their capacities to withstand shocks, thereby fostering long-term prosperity and well-being. Additionally, financial inclusion is a critical pillar in eradicating poverty, particularly among girls and women, promoting stability, and empowering individuals to participate in economic activities to enhance resilience and, thereby, quality of life. Scholars are invited to share research on the role of education, health, and financial inclusion, women and digital economy, access to improved water and sanitation services, up-skilling and up-ward economic mobility, programs for development and inclusion across social and economic strata of the population, that can aid in fostering a resilient society.