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Econometrics for Macroeconomic Policy Evaluation

Objective

Traditionally, the evaluation of macroeconomic policy has relied on analyzing specific economic models which often do not correspond to the complex and data-rich environments in which real world policy decisions are made.

To this extent, I propose to develop a new framework for evaluating macroeconomic policy decisions ---policymetrics--- that is inspired by the robust inference literature in econometrics and makes minimal assumptions on the underlying economic model. The methodology detects optimization failures, i.e. instances in which policy decisions do not minimize the (welfare) loss function, and determines the causes and dynamics of such failures, all while fully respecting the limitations imposed by the Lucas critique.

Part 1. The detection of optimization failures is based on the gradient of the loss function evaluated at the proposed policy choice. The key insight is that for large classes of macroeconomic loss functions the gradient only depends on known or estimable sufficient statistics such as forecasts, dynamic causal effects and preferences. I will tailor the methodology to allow for constrained policy problems, risk aversion and the real-time detection of optimization failures.

Part 2. The methodology for understanding optimization failures is inspired by the forecast evaluation literature and aims to infer which trade-offs, across mandates and horizons, dynamics and variables were overlooked when setting policy. Among others, I will develop methods that test for systematic optimization failures, optimization encompassing and breaks in policy performance.

I will apply the framework to evaluate contemporaneous and historical monetary, fiscal and climate policy decisions from different governments and institutions around the world, hereby providing a unique non-model based assessment of modern macroeconomic policy.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2021-STG

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Host institution

UNIVERSIDAD POMPEU FABRA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 614 900,00
Address
PLACA DE LA MERCE, 10-12
08002 Barcelona
Spain

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Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 614 900,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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