On December 12, the Workshop on Frontier Econometric Theory and Teaching Practice was hosted by the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE). Co-organized by the Key Laboratory of Mathematical Economics (SUFE), Ministry of Education and the School of Economics, SUFE, the workshop aimed to explore the development of the mathematical economics laboratory and the econometrics teaching and research section. Experts and scholars from Peking University, Zhejiang University, Renmin University of China, Xiamen University, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, SUFE and other universities and research institutions gathered to discuss frontier econometric theories and teaching practices.
Professor Zhou Yahong, Dean of the School of Economics, SUFE, delivered the opening address. He announced that the “101 Plan” Virtual Teaching and Research Section for the Econometrics Course, co-led by SUFE, had been selected as a Model Virtual Teaching and Research Section by the Ministry of Education, one of only 50 nationwide. He expressed the hope that the workshop would pool insights and elevate the construction of the laboratory and teaching section to a new level.
In the first session, Professor Hong Yongmiao from the School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor Chen Songnian, Qingshan Chair Professor at Zhejiang University; and Professor Yu Jihai from Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, delivered keynote presentations in sequence.
Professor Hong Yongmiao presented online his research Forecasting GDP Growth Rates Using Accounting Earnings: A Large Panel Micro Data Approach. He innovatively proposed a new framework for GDP growth forecasting based on large-scale micro panel data instead of traditional macro data. Combined with machine learning techniques, the empirical results demonstrate that micro data substantially improves macro forecasting performance, opening a new avenue for macroeconomic prediction research.
Professor Chen Songnian delivered the talk Group-Heterogeneous Changes-in-Changes and Distributional Synthetic Controls. This work makes important advances in distributional causal inference. It develops new Changes-in-Changes and Distributional Synthetic Control methods allowing group heterogeneity, providing more reliable tools to evaluate policy and intervention effects on outcome distributions.
Professor Yu Jihai presented Linear Dyadic Dynamic Panel Data Models with Fixed Effects. He examined fixed-effect issues within linear dyadic dynamic panel data models, identified biases embedded in conventional estimation methods, and proposed an improved estimator based on centred moment conditions. Applications with real data verify the validity and advantages of the new approach.
The second session featured a panel discussion on “Developing the Mathematical Economics Laboratory and the Econometrics Teaching and Research Section”.
Professor Sun Yan from the School of Economics, SUFE, systematically reviewed the achievements of SUFE’s econometrics teaching and research section in team building, teaching activities, textbook compilation, faculty training and practical education. She also outlined preliminary plans to address ongoing teaching challenges, including common pedagogical puzzles in econometrics courses and talent training amid deep integration of digital-intelligent technology and educational modernization.
Associate Professor Yang Kai, Tenured Associate Professor at the School of Economics, SUFE, gave a comprehensive overview of the progress of the Key Laboratory of Mathematical Economics (MOE) from multiple dimensions: research team development, serving national strategies and social demands, building open research platforms and talent cultivation. He also solicited advice from the attending experts on the laboratory’s future development.
In the expert advisory session, Professor Wang Xia from Renmin University of China, Researcher Zhu Pingfang from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Professor Xu Xingbai and Professor Zheng Tingguo from Xiamen University, Professor Chen Songnian from Zhejiang University, Professor Yu Jihai from Peking University, together with faculty members from the School of Economics of SUFE, held fruitful discussions. They offered multi-faceted and valuable suggestions for the development of both the laboratory and the teaching and research section.
Boasting a vibrant academic atmosphere with enthusiastic and in-depth exchanges, this workshop showcased cutting-edge research in econometrics and charted the roadmap for the future development of SUFE’s laboratory and teaching section. It carries great significance for advancing disciplinary innovation and talent training in econometrics across China.
