GTAP University (GTAP-U): 2023 Short Course in Dynamic Global Trade Analysis

Course Content

Background and Objectives
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 GTAP-Recursive Dynamics (GTAP-RD) model include:

• Recursive dynamics based on the GTAP Model (v7), a multi-region, multi-sector general equilibrium model, including parameters by region and the flexibility of using the make matrix that allows for activities to produce one or more commodities.
• "Twist" preference parameters to capture domestic-imported bundle shifts and capital-labor changes over time.
• GTAP-Energy (GTAP-E) and GTAP-Power (GTAP_EP) models, based on version 7, haves also been extended for recursive dynamic analysis and are also available during the course for replication and extension work.

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.

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

• Phase 1: Asynchronous Online Learning
  Participants should expect to spend approximately 2 hours/week during the online portion of the course.
  • Module 1 - "Getting Started"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • know when to consider using dynamic analysis
      • distinguish the basics of dynamic global CGE
      • identify the key elements of a baseline
    • Topics Covered:
      • Course software installation
      • Course motivation
      • Baselines for Dynamic CGE Models
  • Module 2 – "Overview and Introduction to RunDynam"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • become familiar with RunDynam
      • be exposed to other key elements of a baseline
    • Topics Covered:
      • Overview of course software
      • Baselines for Dynamic CGE Models
  • Module 3 – "Overview of the GTAP Data Base"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • learn about the inputs used to construct the GTAP Data Base
      • know how to perform an aggregation with the aggregation utility
    • Topics Covered:
      • GTAP Data Base
      • GTAPAgg
  • Module 4 – "Overview of GTAP Models and Simulation"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • know about the latest GTAP models
      • understand how these models have been made dynamic
      • learn how to run a comparative statics simulation from the command line
      • be reminded of the use of the Altertax simulation
    • Topics Covered:
      • Standard GTAP Model
      • Overview of the GTAP-RD, GTAP-E-RD, and GTAP-EP-RD Models
      • Altertax for the GTAP-RD Model
  • Module 5 – "GTAP & Baseline Aggregation Utility"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • know how to perform and aggregation with this aggregation utility
      • know what projections are available to you
      • recognize what more you may need and how to process them
      • understand why closures differ between baseline and policy scenarios
    • Topics Covered:
      • GTAP-RD Data and Baseline Aggregator
      • Baseline Implementation
  • Module 6 – "Phase 1 Wrap-up Week"
    • Module Objectives - During the final week of phase 1, participants will have a chance to catch up on any incomplete coursework and pose any remaining questions pertaining to the material covered before moving onto the next phase of the course.
• Phase 2: Onsite Residency - The onsite phase 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 the economic effects of trade agreements (e.g., CP-TPP and RCEP)
    • GTAP-E-RD/GTAP-EP-RD - Environment application focusing on Paris agreement

Application

Prerequisites
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.

Application
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.

Registration Rate
The registration fees (in USD) for this course are detailed below and include all materials required during the course. The fees also cover daily coffee breaks, lunches, one reception, and one dinner during the onsite phase. The fees do not include a license to the current version of the GTAP Data Base, which is not required for the course. Participants wishing to purchase this must do so separately.

Student Fellowships
A limited number of fellowships may be available to current students working on, or who are interested in, learning and applying dynamic CGE modeling to inform policy debates regarding the most pressing questions related to dynamic global economic analysis. The fellowships cover $2,500 towards the standard registration fees, reducing the amount owed by the recipient to $2,000. To apply for a fellowship the following items must be included in a single PDF document, in the order listed, and uploaded on the application form. Applications missing any of these items will not be considered.

• CV
• Two-page (maximum) narrative describing your area(s) of interest, accomplishments, and current/future research directions. To the extent possible, identify why the application of an economy-wide analytical framework will enhance the impact of your research, as well as beneficiaries of the research. Please address how your previous training and professional/academic experience have prepared you for formal policy analysis.
• Contact information for two references (professional or academic)

Cancellations
All cancellations must be emailed to Ginger Batta. Registered participants who are unable to participate will receive a 50% refund until July 23, 2023. No refunds will be made after this date. Deferments to later courses are not allowed.

System Requirements

Participants are required to provide their own computer for all phases of the course. Computers must meet the following minimum specifications. All software and files needed for the course not listed below will be provided.

Computer Requirements

• 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 (or ability to have course software installed)

Other Requirements

• Reliable internet connection (broadband recommended)
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Reader or Acrobat
• Zip utility program

Travel Requirements

Vaccination Requirements
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.

Invitation Letters
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.

Visas
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.

Lodging

Participants are responsible for securing and paying for their own lodging. Reservation blocks have been secured at the following hotels. There are other West Lafayette/Lafayette area hotels where participants may choose to stay; however, availability is not guaranteed.

Transportation and Directions

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.

Travel Tips

Please be aware of the following when traveling to the United States.

• 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-5pm. 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, dial 911.

Contact Information

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