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Development Economics

Complex Network Analysis: Tools for Economic Development

Understand a complex world of interconnected agents and learn to model large-scale social behavior.

17.5h (5 days)

€775 - €1,375

Face-to-face

English

Program date: June 30 - July 4, 2025

Early bird deadline: April 15, 2025

Learn more

Complex Network Analysis: Tools for Economic Development

Applications for 2025 Summer School programs are now open!

Summer school

Development Economics

Complex Network Analysis: Tools for Economic Development

This course combines theoretical modeling and social network data analysis, focusing on R as the primary programming tool. Students will learn innovative concepts, models, and algorithms applicable to various contexts, providing a comprehensive toolbox for empirical work.

Faculty

Are you interested in network analysis? This could be the course for you!

This course is designed for:

Graduate students and professionals interested in using network data to inform development policy

Understand Network Dynamics

Participants will:

Learn to model and predict social behavior on a large scale
Explore how the shape and structure of networks influence social and economic results
Apply network analysis to economic development, focusing on field experiments and interventions
Learn to target policies effectively in complex systems using optimal seeding methods
Learn to manipulate and analyze network data using R/python packages igraph and networkx
Become acquainted with real-world survey data from field work in Malawi
Learn how to survey in the field and how to process CTO data

Program Syllabus for Complex Network Analysis: Tools for Economic Development

The course will cover the following topics:

Introduction to Networks and Random Graphs

What are networks? Graphs, Centralities, Paths, etc…
E-R Random Graphs, Giant Components
Configuration Model
The Friendship Paradox

Diffusion, Adoption, and Optimal Targeting

Simple and Complex Diffusion
Models of Information Aggregation
Broadcasting Vs. Targeting
Random Vs. Targeted Seeding

Segregation and Economic Opportunity

Measuring Upward Mobility
Segregation and Integration
Social Capital

Risk Sharing and Financial Transfers

The Full Insurance Benchmark
Risk Sharing Networks as Collateral
Local Insurance
Interaction with Formal Institutions: Crowding out

Routing and Migration

Optimal Routing Problems
Trafficking Networks
Migration and Risk Sharing

List of References

A reading list for each session will be provided at the start of the course.

Basic Texts

Easley, David, and Jon Kleinberg. Networks, crowds, and markets. Vol. 8. Cambridge: Cambridge university press, 2010.
Jackson, Matthew O. Social and economic networks. Princeton university press, 2010.
Barabási, Albert-László. “Network science.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 371.1987 (2013): 20120375.

Surveys:

Banerjee, Abhijit V., and Esther Duflo. “The economic lives of the poor.” The Journal of Economic Perspectives 21.1 (2007): 141.
Breza, E., Chandrasekhar, A., Golub, B., & Parvathaneni, A. (2019). Networks in economic development. Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 35(4), 678-721.
Breza, E. (2016). Field experiments, social networks, and development. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Software / Hardware

Participants will make use of R Studio throughout the course

Why join our Summer School?

All BSE Summer courses are taught to the same high standard as our Master’s programs. Join us to:

1

Network with like-minded peers

2

Study in vibrant Barcelona

3

Learn from world-renowned faculty

Admissions and Requirements

Thinking of applying? Please check the admissions requirements below.

Program date: June 30 - July 4, 2025

Early bird deadline: April 15, 2025

Requirements

Summer School applicants normally demonstrate one or more of the following:

A strong background in Economics or a field closely related to the course topic (Statistics, Law, etc.)
Postgraduate degree or current Master’s/PhD studies related to the course topic
Relevant professional experience

Requirements for Complex Network Analysis: Tools for Economic Development

Basic knowledge of programming (in R) is an advantage but is not required

Schedule

Here is your schedule for this edition of BSE Complex Network Analysis: Tools for Economic Development course.

Time

30

mon

1

tue

2

wed

3

thu

4

fri

9:00-11:00

Lecture

14:30-16:00

Practical

Credit Transfers (ECTS)

To be eligible for credit transfer, students will be assessed through problem sets given to them during the course.

For more details please refer to the Summer School Admissions page.

Certificate of Attendance

Participants who attend more than 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance, free of charge.

Fees

Fees for courses in other Summer School programs may vary. Multiple course discounts are available, consult our fees and discounts to learn more.

Course

Geospatial Tools for Development: Data and Inference

Complex Network Analysis: Tools for Economic Development

Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) in Development Economics

Macro-Development: Concepts, Facts and Tools

Regression Discontinuity Designs in Development Economics: Theory and Practice

Modality

Online

Face-to-face

Total Hours

17.5

ECTS

1

Regular Fee

1,000€

1,375€

Reduced Fee*

600€

775€

FAQ

Need more information? Check out our FAQ section or contact our Admissions Team.

Can I see the full Summer School calendar?

You can view the full Summer School calendar here.

Is accommodation included in the course fee?

Accommodation is not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for finding accommodation.

Are the sessions recorded?

Sessions will NOT be recorded; however, the materials provided by the professor will be available for a month after the course has finished.

How much does each Summer School course cost?

Fees for each course may vary. Please consult each course page for accurate information.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, BSE offers a variety of discounts on its Summer School courses. See more information about available discounts or request a personalized discount quote by email.