In this episode Paul Hünermund explains why the Nobel prize in Economics this year was given to the three researchers David Card, Joshua Angrist and Guido Imbens and what companies can learn from their research. We talk about how natural experiments sparked an empirical revolution and how machine learning can help us establish causal links to find the answer to everyday questions. Paul Hünermund is assistant professor of Strategy and Innovation at Copenhagen Business School. In his research he focuses on how firms can leverage new technologies in the space of machine learning and artificial intelligence for value creation and competitive advantage. In doing so he employs a wide variety of tools from econometrics, machine learning, and the field of causal inference.

In this episode, we are talking to Jos Cozijnsen, carbon specialist at the Carbon Neutral Group. Jos explains how knowledge from Game Theory and Mechanism Design can help reduce carbon emissions. He explains in detail the cap & trade system in Europe which makes carbon credits tradeable. This market has introduced CO2 reduction certificates which are issued for a project where additional CO2 reductions have been accomplished. Such carbon credit or CO2 reduction certificate can be used to compensate own emissions. At the time of the recording the Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow is happening which Jos also attends. Jos Cozijnsen is carbon specialist at the Carbon Neutral Group, he holds a Master in Law. Jos is supporting companies to lower their carbon footprint and their impact on the climate. He is well experienced in the carbon market and carbon pricing. He has recently published an article on this episode’s topic here: https://www.emissierechten.nl/column/six-tips-to-make-the-climate-summit-to-a-success/

In this episode, we are talking to Kevin Zollman, professor of Philosophy and Social and Decision Sciences. Kevin explains how to use game theoretic concepts to study non-verbal communication between animals (and humans). From this perspective, seemingly useless or even costly features like the cumbersome tail of a peacock can be explained as costly (and therefore fraud resistant) signals to potential mating partners. We also discuss the limits of these concepts and alternative explanations that form the current state of research on this topic. Kevin Zollman is professor of Philosophy and Social and Decision Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University in in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His research interests include many fields such as game theory, its biological applications, and the philosophy of science. He is also author of the recently published book “The Game Theorist's Guide to Parenting: How the Science of Strategic Thinking Can Help You Deal With the Toughest Negotiators You Know: Your Kids”

In this episode we are talking to Eva Donnerhack, Director, Specialist for Modern and Impressionist Art and Head of Sales Germany at Sotheby's. Together we take a look behind the curtain of preparing an auction in the world of art, discuss the importance of timing, stories and cultural differences and learn what art auctions and concerts have in common. Eva Donnerhack is Director, Specialist for Modern and Impressionist Art and Head of Sales Germany at the auction house Sotheby's. As such she contributes to many of Sotheby's most promising auctions in London, Paris and New York and is well seasoned when it comes to all things auctions in the world of art.

In this episode Scott Page, professor for Complexity, Social Science and Management at the University of Michigan, explains the value of models and their uses in different environments and disciplines including economics and in particular game theory. We talk about what to consider when setting up a model, how models capture "real life" and how to best apply them in a business context using game theory. Scott Page is professor for Complexity, Social Science and Management at the University of Michigan. In his research he focuses on complex systems, collective intelligence, teams, and political and economic institutions. He is also the author of the book “The Model Thinker: What You Need to Know to Make Data Work For You”, explaining the value of models when it comes to making sense of data and complex phenomena.

In this episode, we talk to Oliver Viehmann, Principal at TWS Partners, and explore the application of game theory to pricing strategies and negotiations in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry. We discuss how pharmaceutical companies engage with regulators across the world to determine drug prices using two broad mechanisms: regulatory cost-effectiveness pricing and competitive procurement mechanisms (e.g. contracting or tendering). With reference to the highly publicized "Volume Based Procurement" program in China, we delve into the game theoretic complexities and challenges for both payers, who create auction designs, and manufacturers, who compete to win contracts. Oliver Viehmann is Principal at TWS Partners and supports clients in the pharmaceutical sector, in addition to a range of other industries.