Economics area to host seminar on Network-based Optimization of Technology Adoption
Session to be delivered by Prof. Aranya Chakraborty, Ahmedabad University, on 24 October
16 October, 2024, Bengaluru: The Economics area at IIM Bangalore will host a research seminar on ‘Network-Based Targeting with Heterogeneous Agents for Improving Technology Adoption’, delivered by Prof. Aranya Chakraborty, Ahmedabad University. The session will be held on 24 October 2024, at 4 pm, in Classroom P22.
Abstract:
Can we use social ties to improve technology adoption? I examine this question when the benefits from a new technology vary in the population, with such heterogeneity affecting the diffusion process. I develop a theoretical framework of information diffusion in a network that exhibits the possibility of low information equilibria where agents sub-optimally decide not to adopt new technology, highlighting the need for interventions for information diffusion. My simulations suggest that the optimal network-based intervention in such a scenario relies on the underlying heterogeneity in the population. More importantly, network-centrality-based interventions recommended in the literature fail to be effective, and an alternative adoption probability-based intervention may work better under some conditions. I test these predictions using data from Malawi and provide evidence supporting the theoretical model. My results suggest that population heterogeneity benefits from a technology affects the success of alternative network-based interventions that promote that technology.
Speaker Profile:
Aranya Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor of Economics & Public Policy at the Amrut Mody School of Management at Ahmedabad University. He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from McGill University. His research interests are in the areas of Development Economics, Information Economics, and Applied Microeconomics. More specifically, he studies the adoption of risk management and mitigation practices in developing countries, focusing primarily on the role of networks, social learning, and learning from experience.
Webpage Link: https://www.aranyachakraborty.com/
Economics area to host seminar on Network-based Optimization of Technology Adoption
Session to be delivered by Prof. Aranya Chakraborty, Ahmedabad University, on 24 October
16 October, 2024, Bengaluru: The Economics area at IIM Bangalore will host a research seminar on ‘Network-Based Targeting with Heterogeneous Agents for Improving Technology Adoption’, delivered by Prof. Aranya Chakraborty, Ahmedabad University. The session will be held on 24 October 2024, at 4 pm, in Classroom P22.
Abstract:
Can we use social ties to improve technology adoption? I examine this question when the benefits from a new technology vary in the population, with such heterogeneity affecting the diffusion process. I develop a theoretical framework of information diffusion in a network that exhibits the possibility of low information equilibria where agents sub-optimally decide not to adopt new technology, highlighting the need for interventions for information diffusion. My simulations suggest that the optimal network-based intervention in such a scenario relies on the underlying heterogeneity in the population. More importantly, network-centrality-based interventions recommended in the literature fail to be effective, and an alternative adoption probability-based intervention may work better under some conditions. I test these predictions using data from Malawi and provide evidence supporting the theoretical model. My results suggest that population heterogeneity benefits from a technology affects the success of alternative network-based interventions that promote that technology.
Speaker Profile:
Aranya Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor of Economics & Public Policy at the Amrut Mody School of Management at Ahmedabad University. He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from McGill University. His research interests are in the areas of Development Economics, Information Economics, and Applied Microeconomics. More specifically, he studies the adoption of risk management and mitigation practices in developing countries, focusing primarily on the role of networks, social learning, and learning from experience.
Webpage Link: https://www.aranyachakraborty.com/