Bridging research and policy: “It definitely feels like I’m leaving my comfort zone.”

TL;DR

Gopi Shagoda, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, discusses his transition to the White House Council of Economic Advisors and his hopes to better inform policy decisions.

Transcript

okay so I'll introduce myself so Gopi shagoda senior fellow the Stanford Institute for economic policy research senior Economist at the White House Council of economic advisors how many times have you said that out loud not very many since I completed my PhD at Stanford in the economics Department I've been conducting research on topics related to ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Economics research has the potential to make a significant impact on people's lives by informing policy decisions.
• 💦 Working at the Council of Economic Advisors provides a unique opportunity to witness how policies are implemented and how research directly influences decision-making.
• 👶 Moving to a new position in an unfamiliar environment, such as the White House, poses challenges, both personally and professionally.
• 👨‍🔬 Research projects conducted in academia may have longer timelines, while policy-related research projects may require faster turnaround times.
• 👻 Working at the Council of Economic Advisors allows for a better understanding of policy-making processes and the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
• ❓ The economic report of the president is a significant task assigned to the Council of Economic Advisors, requiring senior economists to take ownership of different sections.
• ❓ The role of the Council of Economic Advisors is to advise the president on economic policy matters and provide data and evidence to analyze various aspects of economic policies.

Questions & Answers

Q: What topics has Gopi Shagoda conducted research on?

Gopi Shagoda has conducted research on retirement policies, health care policies, and the economics of aging. He has analyzed their effects on individuals' lives and aims to make a difference through his economic research.

Q: What is Gopi Shagoda's new position and responsibilities at the White House?

Gopi Shagoda has joined the White House Council of Economic Advisors. His portfolio includes addressing health care, long-term care, and retirement and pension issues. He will advise the president on domestic and international economic policy matters and provide data and evidence to analyze economic policies.

Q: How does Gopi Shagoda anticipate his role at the Council of Economic Advisors will differ from his academic research?

As a researcher, Shagoda analyzed policies at a high level without full knowledge of their implementation. His new role at the Council of Economic Advisors allows him to witness firsthand how academic research informs policy decisions, bridging the gap between research and implementation.

Q: What challenges does Gopi Shagoda anticipate in his new position?

Shagoda mentions the challenge of moving across the country and uprooting his family. Additionally, the pace of policy-related research projects may require faster turnaround times than traditional academic research, which typically takes years to complete.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Gopi Shagoda discusses his background in researching retirement policies, health care policies, and the economics of aging.

• He explains his excitement about his new position at the White House Council of Economic Advisors, where he will advise the president on economic policy issues.

• Shagoda shares the challenges of moving across the country and the intense experience of starting a new position in an unfamiliar environment.