What is EconCS (intersection of Economics and Computer Science)? by Bo Waggoner (2024)

What is EconCS (intersection of Economics and Computer Science)? by Bo Waggoner (2)

EconCS is literally termed the “intersection of Economics and Computer Science”. In EconCS, we take an algorithmic perspective on topics in microeconomics: game theory, mechanism design, social choice. We also study algorithmic questions stemming from these topics; this includes problems in algorithm design, complexity, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

To many people, the term “Econ” suggests financial or fiscal focus. But these are not fundamental. Rather, I like to summarize EconCS as

The algorithmic study of systems of goal-directed agents.

What do I mean by “goal-directed”? They have their own preferences and make their own decisions. Unlike most of CS, we do not design or control these agents. Rather, we interface and interact with them.

Some broad themes that illustrate EconCS a bit better:

  • How do goal-directed agents interact? This is where game theory and the notion of equilibrium comes in. Example: How should one play rock-paper-scissors? poker? How should one choose the route one takes to work (knowing that everyone else is scheming to pick their optimal route as well!). Lots of algorithmic questions: computing equilibria? price of anarchy? and many more.
  • How do we construct systems or algorithms involving these agents? This is mechanism design. Here, we study mechanisms with money, like auctions and markets; but we also study mechanisms without money but still with preferences: matching, voting, facility location, information spread on social networks, ….
  • How does information flow in these systems? Example: “cascades” on social networks. Or, how do we get information from agents for our algorithmic tasks? How do we provide agents with the information they need to make good decisions?

https://www.bowaggoner.com/whatiseconcs.html

What is EconCS (intersection of Economics and Computer Science)? by Bo Waggoner (2024)

FAQs

What is the intersection between computer science and economics? ›

EconCS is literally termed the “intersection of Economics and Computer Science”. In EconCS, we take an algorithmic perspective on topics in microeconomics: game theory, mechanism design, social choice.

How can I combine economics and computer science? ›

Combining economics with computer science equips you to use computers to assess data and solve economics-related problems. A computer science and economics major deepens your understanding of market design, machine learning, and computational finance.

What is economics and computer science? ›

The Computer Science + Economics curriculum provides students with enhanced quantitative analysis and programming skills. Students learn various economic analytical skills, both theoretical and empirical, as well as computational skills.

Is there computer science in economics? ›

Computational Economics is an interdisciplinary research discipline that involves computer science, economics, and management science. This subject encompasses computational modeling of economic systems.

How can an economist use scientific methods to uncover regular economic patterns? ›

The scientific method is beneficial to economics in many ways. First, it offers an objective and standard way to conduct experiments hence improving outcomes and results. Through it, economists can conduct economic analysis, study data, predict results, examine and explain a particular phenomenon.

Is CS and econ a good combo? ›

The joint major in Computer Science & Economics provides students with strong foundations in both fields that will enable them to pursue a variety of careers requiring these theoretical and quantitative skills as well as prepare them for graduate education in computer science, economics, and many allied STEM-oriented ...

What is the best combination with computer science? ›

Math makes a good complement for a computer science degree. Most computer science degree programs require significant mathematics study, so students are able to gain a math minor without having to take too many extra courses and without lengthening the time required to gain the computer science degree.

What should I pair economics major with? ›

The issues that can be analyzed with Economic tools intersect with many disciplines (such as Finance, Marketing, Political Science, Social and Cultural Sciences, International Affairs or International Business, Environmental Science, Business Analytics, and Computer Science / Statistics).

What is the main purpose of computer in economics? ›

Without computers we couldn't possibly coordinate that volume of data quickly and efficiently.” One main reason for the use of computers in economic analysis and forecasting is the widespread availability of in expense, convenient microcomputers.

Is computer science a good minor for economics? ›

The creative problem solving skills learned from this minor are useful in any discipline, but the computer science minor is an especially good option for students looking to enter into economics careers as analysts for tech companies.

How is economics related to science? ›

Economics is generally regarded as a social science, which revolves around the relationships between individuals and societies. Critics argue that economics is not a science due to a lack of testable hypotheses and ability to achieve consensus.

Does economics involve programming? ›

Given so much of economics is quantitative, coding is an essential skill for many economists. Many of the tools and packages that have been developed will help you to do better work more productively.

Is computer good or economics? ›

Both the subject are very rewarding from a good career point view as both have gained extra importance these days. It would be not wrong if one should say that these both subjects have an edge over others.

What is the relationship of economics to science and technology? ›

In economics, it is widely accepted that technology is the key driver of economic growth of countries, regions and cities. Technological progress allows for the more efficient production of more and better goods and services, which is what prosperity depends on.

What is the relation between science and economics? ›

Economics is generally regarded as a social science, which revolves around the relationships between individuals and societies. Critics argue that economics is not a science due to a lack of testable hypotheses and ability to achieve consensus.

How has computer science affected the economy? ›

They have enabled individuals, small groups, and small countries to have a voice by providing just as much access, visibility and opportunities as big businesses and advanced countries. Computing, as a general term for digital technologies, has greatly contributed to the economic growth in the last twenty years.

Is economics a good A level for computer science? ›

Which subjects combine well with Computer Science? Computer Science has strong connections to many other disciplines. Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, and Economics combine well with Computer Science.

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