Theoretical and empirical contributions to structural change and integral human development in Latin American economies

In recent years, there have been significant contributions in theoretical and empirical research related to the fundamental determinants of structural change and integral human development in Latin American economies. Contributions in these areas are crucial for understanding how different factors interact to influence economic outcomes on both micro and macro levels. Scholars have captured the multidimensional nature of these economic phenomena by integrating insights from various disciplines and approaches, making substantial progress in explaining the underlying mechanisms driving economic growth, income disparities, technological progress, labor market dynamics, financial stability, and changes in regulatory frameworks.

The YSI Latin American working group would like to invite you to participate in a workshop that provides a platform for young academics, policymakers, and experts to share and discuss their latest contributions to structural change and integral human development in Latin American economies, pushing the boundaries of current knowledge in these key economic research areas. The event focuses on both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, providing participants with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the complex relationships between various schools of economic thought, including post-Keynesianism, Marxism, Latin American structuralism, institutionalism, and the regulation school, among others.

The workshop seeks to answer a broad range of questions about structural change and integral human development in Latin American economies, including but not limited to:

• How do current trends in capital accumulation affect income inequality?
• What role do government policies play in mitigating potential negative impacts of unequal capital accumulation?
• How has the rapid advancement in AI and automation impacted economic growth across different sectors in Latin American economies?
• Which policies should be implemented to support industries and workers adversely affected by technological disruptions?
• How has the gig economy reshaped traditional labor markets, and what are its implications for workers’ rights?
• How does the rise of remote work impact labor market trends and the overall economy?

The event will target the questions presented above, but it will also address more general study topics including:

• Macroeconomics
• Macrofinance
• Labour markets
• Popular economy
• Economics of innovation
• Economics of development
• Industrial policy
• Social studies of Science and Technology
• International trade

The workshop is co-organized by the Observatorio de Coyuntura Económica y Políticas Públicas (OCEPP) – Fundación Igualdad and YSI.

Young scholars are expected to present their research and receive feedback from peers, senior researchers, and policymakers. The workshop will also be a chance for young scholars to network, build relationships, share their research findings, and exchange knowledge from different areas, backgrounds, and perspectives. By doing so, the workshop also aims to catalyze new insights, identify emerging trends, and provide future directions for research.

Young scholars are invited to submit an abstract or motivation letter (no more than 400 words) explaining how their research is related to the questions and topics listed above and how participating will enhance their research.
The selection process will be based on the clarity of the proposal, research methodology and (preliminary) results. Besides academic considerations, the criteria will weigh geographic representation and gender diversity. The organizing and academic committee will be in charge of the selection.
YSI will provide grants to partly cover travel expenses and/or accommodation for selected young scholars. If you would like to apply to this funding, please indicate it in the application form.

The workshop will take place on October 9, 2024 at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (UBA).

It will consist of three paper sessions and a closing session featuring invited keynote speakers:
Session 1: Macro-dynamics: capital accumulation and income distribution
Session 2: Technological change and growth
Session 3: Labour markets and the popular economy
Keynote panel: “How to reconcile macro stability and integral human development objectives?” Confirmed keynote speakers:

• Martín Guzman, Professor at SIPA-Columbia University (US) and the National University of La Plata (AR). Former Minister of Economy of Argentina.
• Juan Grabois, Professor at the University of Buenos Aires (AR). Popular economy organizer and leader.

KEY DATES

• Deadline for abstract submission: September 8, 2024.
• Notification of acceptance: September 13, 2024.
• Workshop: October 9, 2024.