GTAP Events: 2021 Short Course in Dynamic Global Trade Analysis

The objective of this course is to introduce participants to dynamic economic analysis in an applied general equilibrium setting. This course is designed to provide participants with ample hands-on training with software that has been tailored for undertaking analysis using a dynamic recursive model. Participants will interact with economists working on global trade and environmental issues using a dynamic model. The end goal of the course is for participants to leave with the capability of conducting and analyzing their own dynamic simulations.

Features of the newly developed multi-region, multi-sector general equilibrium model include:

• Recursive dynamics based on the GTAP Model (v7), including parameters by region and the flexibility of a make matrix that allows activities to produce one or more commodities
• "Twist" preference parameters to capture domestic-imported bundle shifts and capital-labor changes over time

Course participants will learn to aggregate their economic database and develop a business as usual scenario using information from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, which has been annualized for ease of use.

The GTAP Dynamic Short Course is comprised of an online instruction program followed by an intensive onsite course delivered by a team of GTAP specialists in data, model construction, and policy analysts. Note that the online and onsite portions of the course are not offered independently.

• Part I: Online
  • Content Overview
    • Prep Week – “Getting Started”
    • Week 1 – “Motivation for Course”
    • Week 2 – “Overview and Introduction to RunDynam”
    • Week 3 – “Overview of GTAP Data Base”
    • Week 4 – “Overview of GTAP Models”
    • Week 5 –“Baseline Aggregator”
    Time Commitment

    Participants should expect to spend approximately 2 hours/week during the online portion of the course.

• Part II: Onsite - The onsite portion of the course consists of a mix of daily lectures, lab assignments, and informal discussions designed to introduce participants to the basic features of the model and database. Participants will undertake formal lecture and lab assignments in the mornings and spend the afternoons working in groups to build their own economic applications, which includes working with data to develop a baseline and policy experiments. The groups will present the results of their applications on the final day.
  • Lecture Content
    • Elements of a Baseline
    • GTAP-RD and Closure Rules
    • Information Sources for Scenario Development
    • Discussion of Limitations
  • Laboratory Content
    • Setting up Application
    • Building a Baseline Scenario
    • Setting up Policy Scenarios
    • Examining Results of the Policy Shocks
  • Capstone Project: Model Extensions for Replication and Extension
    • GTAP-RD
      • Trade application focusing on TPP’s non-tariff measures and welfare effects
    • GTAP-E_RD
      • Environment application focusing on Paris agreement

It is expected that applicants have undertaken courses on multi-region general equilibrium analysis or have completed a significant piece of analysis using a dynamic multi-region GE model or another, comparable, general equilibrium model.

Individuals interested in taking this course must apply on the GTAP website. All applications will be reviewed following the deadline. Those accepted into the course will receive an email detailing how to register and arrange for payment. Note that application does not guarantee acceptance.

The registration fee for this course is $4,500 USD. This fee includes five days of onsite training in the form of lectures and hands-on labs, daily coffee breaks, five lunches, one reception, and one dinner. Participants will be responsible for all other meals.

All cancellations must be emailed to Ginger Batta. Registered participants who are unable to participate will receive a 50% refund until August 15, 2021. No refunds will be offered after this date. Deferments to later courses are also not allowed.

• Windows 7 or later
  • Macs can be used, but users must either be able to dual boot to Windows or install/access Windows through a virtual machine. Note that technical support for Macs will not be provided.
• 32-bit or higher
• i5 or higher processor
• 500MB free hard drive space
• 1GB RAM
• Administrator access
• Laptop must be in English for the duration of the course

Registered and paid participants requiring an invitation letter to include in visa and/or financial assistance applications should click the link above to have an electronic copy emailed to them. Please note that hard copies will not be provided.

Travelers requiring a visa to enter the United States should review the U.S. Department of State's website for details on applying for and obtaining the appropriate visa.

All travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. For requirements specific to the United States, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana which is approximately 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Indianapolis, Indiana and 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Chicago, Illinois.

• Via Indianapolis - Those wishing to fly into the Indianapolis International Airport can rent a car and drive and to West Lafayette or take the Lafayette Limo or Reindeer shuttle services.
• Via Chicago - Those wishing to fly into the Chicago O'Hare International Airport can rent a car and drive to West Lafayette or take the Express Air Coach, Lafayette Limo, or Reindeer shuttle services.
• Campus Parking - Visitor parking is available in the Grant Street Parking Garage, adjacent to the Purdue Memorial Union, 101 N. Grant St, West Lafayette, IN.

*Reservations should be made in advance for all airport shuttles. Be advised that airport shuttles may not drop off or pick up directly from your hotel. Please be sure to look into these details when selecting a service.

• Currency - The official currency of the United States is the US Dollar (USD).
• Banks and Foreign Exchange - Normal banking hours in the US are Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm. There are a number of banks near Purdue University, some of which offer foreign currency exchange. Exchange bureaus are also available at the international airports. ATMs are available throughout the campus and town.
• Credit Cards - Visa and MasterCard are accepted at nearly all establishments. American Express and Discover are also accepted, but not as widespread.
• Tipping - While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary for service in the US, specifically for dining, transportation, and lodging.
• Sales Tax - Sales tax will be applied to many purchases in the USA.
• Health and Safety - In the event of a health or safety emergency in the USA, 911 should be dialed.

Ginger Batta (gbatta@purdue.edu)
Senior Program Manager
Center for Global Trade Analysis
Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
403 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2056 USA