From Network Theory to Platform Pricing: A Look Back at the ICEF-FES-NES Microeconomic Theory Workshop
The programme consisted of four sessions spanning a broad spectrum of subjects: from lobbying and economic growth (Dmitry Veselov, FES, HSE) to network theory (Kıvanç Aköz, FES, HSE), the role of quotas (Sergei Mikhalishchev, FES, HSE), the duration of research (Tatiana Mayskaya, ICEF/FES, HSE), and platform pricing (Marina Sandomirskaia, FES, HSE). Other works presented included competitive equilibrium in networked exchange economies (Runjie Geng, ICEF, HSE), agreement despite disagreements (Alexis Belianin, Almaty Management University), the effect of group size in contests (Alexander Usvitskiy, ICEF, HSE) and tournament design (Mikhail Drugov, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona School of Economics, NES).
Tatiana Mayskaya, Associate professor, ICEF/FES, HSE University, сo-organizer of ICEF-FES-NES Microeconomic Theory Workshop
A particular value of the workshop was the quality of the discussion. The discussants were outstanding: they went far beyond technical comments, engaging deeply with the logic of the models, the mechanisms behind the results, and possible directions for developing the papers further. At the same time, the conversation constantly moved beyond formal theory, returning again and again to what these models help us understand about the real world. It is precisely this combination of rigorous theory and substantive economic intuition that makes workshops like this especially valuable.
Each talk was followed by a discussion and Q&A session with colleagues from HSE, NES, as well as from other international universities. Tatiana Mayskaya also served as the session chair throughout the event. The workshop showcased a high level of collaboration among the three leading institutions and served as a productive platform for exchanging ideas, both in person and online.
