Machine Learning in Economics Summer Institute and Conference

The Center for Applied AI recently hosted our annual Machine Learning in Economics Summer Institute. This year the Institute was held from August 1st to August 5th. Following the Institute, the first annual Machine Learning in Economics Summer Conference was held. This conference brought together researchers working at the intersection of machine learning and economics. It focused on research studying how machine learning methods (e.g., supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, machine vision, text analysis) may be used to tackle existing questions and open new directions in fields like behavioral economics, applied microeconomics, development, and macroeconomics. This summer institute and conference brings together various teachings in machine learning to spark conversations about the practical and ethical implications of implementing AI. They serve as a way to bring students, faculty, and academics alike to discuss important topics within AI. 

Machine Learning in Economics Summer Institute 
The Institute was hosted by Sendhil Mullinathan, Jens Ludwig, Jann Spiess, Ashesh Rambachan and Sanjog Misra. The organizers gave lectures on supervised learning, economic uses of predictions, prediction policy, among others. The talks given during the course of the Institute from outside academics started with “The Human Factor in AI Developments” by Hamsa Bastani, followed by “Human Decision Making, Healthcare and AI: Structural Implementation and Applications” given by Jon Kolstad, which was followed by “Optimal Experimentation for Policy Functions” from David Yanigazawa-Drott, finishing with “AI in Industry” given by Pamela Mishkin. 

Thank you to our lecturers for an enriching experience for our students. 

Machine Learning in Economics Summer Conference
Following the Institute, the first annual Machine Learning in Economics Summer Conference was hosted. This conference was held over two days and welcomed professors from various institutions. There were various talks given including, “The Impact of Algorithmic Tools on Child Protection: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial” from Christopher Mills, “Are Patent Examiners Gender Neutral” given by Hadar Avivi, and “The Market Effect of Algorithms” presented by Lindsey Raymond. These presentations just begin to highlight the various areas in which AI is implemented.

Thank you to the presenters who made this conference amazing. If you are interested in applying to be a part of next year’s cohort, we encourage you to keep an eye on the CAAI opportunities page. Applications will be announced late Spring.