Public Lectures

Public lectures are hosted by distinguished speakers who present on popular topics in the field of economic research and policy making. These events provide an excellent opportunity for students and researchers to enhance their understanding of economics.

Upcoming lectures

29 Apr

13:00

Case Studies in Commercialization and Institutional Evolution

Joacim Larsson von Garaguly, Victoria Kihlström, Ravi Dar (Dalarna University) ESF Large meeting room of the Dean's Office (2nd floor)

This joint presentation of four research projects explores how institutions and markets evolve through processes of commercialization, innovation, and adaptation. The first study examines the transformation of a traditional nonprofit ski race into a major commercial event, highlighting the commercialization and professionalization of sports. The second study investigates how state interventions in solar energy markets both disrupt traditional market mechanisms and create new opportunities, focusing on how market actors respond to these transitions. The third study explores the concept of "hype" in management, using the case of Business Intelligence to illustrate the tension between technological control and market-driven innovation. The fourth study analyzes the introduction of digital reporting in Swedish road construction projects, where state-led environmental requirements elicit mixed reactions from contractors—ranging from proactive engagement to skeptical resistance.

The commercialization and professionalization of sports: The Vasaloppet case (Joacim Larsson von Garaguly)
Market construction for solar energy – actors and activities (Victoria Kihlström)
What is a Hype? (Ravi Dar)
The State as a driver of Innovation (Ravi Dar)

29 Apr

17:00

Advances in Healthcare Modeling: Microsimulation as a Tool for Applied Research

Roland Sturm (RAND Corporation) Mendel Museum´s Augustinian Abbey Refectory at Mendel Square Personal website

Although the concept of using individual-level simulations to analyze economic and demographic trends dates back to the 1950s, it was only after advances in computing that microsimulation became a practical tool for research. Today, microsimulation is not just a fallback when traditional methods do not work—it has become a key approach for studying issues related to health care, labor markets, demography, employment, public finance. This method naturally fits with economic theories that focus on individual decision-making instead of broad aggregates. In this presentation, we will review the evolution of dynamic social science microsimulation, discuss situations where it offers valuable insights, and explore some current applications in RAND research in areas such as aging, diabetes care, lifestyle interventions, drug policy, and climate change.

23 May

13:00

What Can We Conclude from the Evidence on Minimum Wages and Employment? Recent Progress

David Neumark (University of California-Irvine) ESF Room P101 Personal website