122 - Econ2: Causal machine learning, data interpretability, and online platform markets featuring Hunt Allcott and Greg Lewis

In this episode of Econ2, Senior Principal Researchers Dr. Hunt Allcott and Dr. Greg Lewis discuss a range of economic systems through a social science lens. They delve into topics such as the connection between causal machine learning and economics research, the motivations of buyers and sellers on e-commerce platforms, and how data practices and ad targeting could facilitate a more symbiotic relationship between customers and businesses. As part of the ALICE (Automated Learning and Intelligence for Causation and Economics) project at Microsoft Research, Lewis introduces EconML, a Python package designed for estimating heterogeneous treatment effects.

Through this discussion, listeners can gain insight into the research that drives policy and technological advancement, exploring the systems that shape our world through the lens of social science.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify.