Economics

A new study shows that even when people are given multiple financing options, many smooth out the monthly payments into multiples of $100, often at less money per payment, but with notably increased long-term costs, even if they can afford to pay more.

The trouble with round numbers

Study shows people prefer monthly payments in multiples of $100, even when it may cost them money.

February 20, 2020

Luis Videgaray, director of MIT’s AI Policy for the World Project, talking at his Starr Forum lecture, hosted by the Center for International Studies, on February 19, 2020.

A road map for artificial intelligence policy

In a Starr Forum talk, Luis Videgaray, director of MIT’s AI Policy for the World Project, outlines key facets of regulating new technologies.

February 20, 2020

Esther Duflo PhD ’99 to speak at 2020 Investiture of Doctoral Hoods and Degree Conferral Ceremony

MIT professor and alumna shared the 2019 Nobel Prize in economics, which recognized collaborators’ “experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.”

February 20, 2020

Researchers find that Dutch sugar production in Indonesia in the 19th century entailed industrialization whose economic benefits are still evident today.

The complex effects of colonial rule in Indonesia

Evidence links Dutch-era sugar production and greater economic activity today.

February 5, 2020

The first students to enroll in MIT’s new MicroMaster Program in Data, Economics, and Development Policy program arrived at MIT in January.

MIT launches master’s in data, economics, and development policy, led by Nobel laureates

The first cohort of 22 students from 14 countries share a common ambition: harnessing data to help others.

February 4, 2020

Katy Knight (left) of the Siegel Family Endowment and José Cisneros (right), elected treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco, listen as MIT professor and Work of the Future Initiative co-chair David Autor provides feedback on how to design an effective evaluation of a labor force development program.

Experts join J-PAL North America in advancing conversation on the work of the future

Academic, government, and advocacy leaders gathered to promote collaborative research partnerships to identify strategies that help workers thrive in today’s labor market.

January 31, 2020

A new study by MIT economists indicates that some metrics used in hospital rankings do, in fact, provide real insight about hospital quality.

Hospital rankings hold up

Some basic metrics do effectively diagnose care quality, according to MIT economists.

January 30, 2020

Fall 2019 MindHandHeart Innovation Fund grantees

MindHandHeart announces a record 21 new Innovation Fund winners

The 10th round of MindHandHeart Innovation Fund projects is bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion, wellness, and community-building programming to campus.

January 15, 2020

“In courses like Nuclear Technology and Society, which covered the benefits and risks of nuclear energy, I saw that some people believed the solution for climate change was definitely nuclear, while others said it was wind or solar,” says doctoral student Nestor Sepulveda. “I began wondering how to determine the value of different technologies.”

Zeroing in on decarbonization

Wielding complex algorithms, nuclear science and engineering doctoral candidate Nestor Sepulveda spins out scenarios for combating climate change.

January 15, 2020

The Santa Clara County’s Office of Supportive Housing in California is working with J-PAL North America and affiliated researchers to test the impact of rapid re-housing on homeless shelter entry, housing moves, and hospital visits for single adults.

J-PAL North America seeks partners to research homelessness

Housing Stability Evaluation Incubator will provide funding and technical assistance to help partners build evidence on strategies to reduce and prevent homelessness.

January 13, 2020