REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON APPLIED ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in collaboration with Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) hosted a regional training course (Summer School) on Applied Econometrics from June 12 to 23, 2017, for the fourth consecutive year. The two-week training course for young researchers took place at the Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT), Uzbekistan.

Mr. Bakhrom Mirkasimov, Deputy Dean at the WIUT (third from the left), Dr. Ziyodullo Parpiev, Senior Lecturer at the WIUT and Advisor-Economist at the UNDP in Uzbekistan (5th from left), Dr. Kamiljon Akramov, Research Fellow and Leader of Central Asia Program at IFPRI (6th from left) along with participants the training.

Twenty two participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan were selected to participate in the training. Participants were selected on a competitive basis based on their interest and background in applied research, as well as their knowledge and skill level in quantitative methods.

The emphasis of the training course was made on identifying causal relationships using modern tools and techniques of applied econometric analysis. The program also covered mathematical foundations of modern econometrics. Participants were trained to develop research questions, build robust econometric models, and interpret results of empirical research. Classes were taught by IFPRI’s senior researchers along with faculty members of the WIUT.

The detailed program with links to presentations is available here.

The aim of the training was to strengthen the capacity of young researchers in Central Asia for quantitative research, economic policy analysis, and for econometric analysis of socioeconomic phenomena in the context of economics and related social sciences. Increasing the interest of young researchers with diverse disciplinary backgrounds in applied econometrics was the motivation for the expansion of this capacity strengthening initiative in the region. Strong positive feedback from participants has encouraged organizers to pool resources for continued efforts. “Selection of participants was great…diverse and intelligent” suggested anonymous feedback from a participant. “I was impressed by the environment of the training course. I really liked the experience to learn more about econometrics, probability and especially Stata” suggested another participant.

The training course is part of a joint effort to enhance economic analysis capacities among researchers in Central Asia and is supported by the Ministry of Finance of Russian Federation. The organizers of this important capacity strengthening activity are planning to offer this training course in 2018.