GTAP University (GTAP-U): 32nd Annual Short Course in Global Trade Analysis
32nd Annual Short Course in Global Trade Analysis
"Theory and Applications of Computable General Equilibrium Analysis with the GTAP Model"
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Course Application
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September 2 – January 5
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Enrollment
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early February
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Lodging Reservations
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July 12
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| Course Dates |
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June 2 - July 27
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August 4-8
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Courses phases are not offered independently.
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Course Content
Course Objectives and Expectations
The successful participant will demonstrate fluency with the GTAP Model code and data base by designing an economic policy experiment and communicating analysis to the course cohort and teaching team. The learning objectives fostered by the distribution of course activities reflect the ultimate goal and include:
- introducing participants to the standardized framework (GTAP Model, v7) for conducting global policy analysis in an applied general equilibrium setting
- providing participants with hands-on training with software that has been tailored to instruction and collaboration in economic analysis with minimal software manipulation overhead
- delivering participants an opportunity to interact with economists working on global trade and resource use issues, and provide an efficient entry point to the international network of AGE modelers and policy analysts using GTAP data and models
Course Structure
The GTAP Short Course is an intensive training course in the economics of global policy analysis delivered by a team of GTAP specialists in data, model construction, and policy analysts.
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Phase 1: Asynchronous Online Learning
Phase 1 consists of asynchronous online learning, during which participants should expect to spend approximately 4 hours/week on the course. Phase 1 aims to give students practical experience using the software environment for solving GTAP models while reviewing economic components of the model in a partial setting (e.g., production behavior or market equilibrium, but no international trade). Students will also learn the construction of, and analysis with, a global economy model with bilateral trade and relevant policy instruments.
- Module 0 - "Prep Week"
- Course software installation and setup
- Module 1 - "Introduction to GTAP's Software Environment"
- Module Objectives - Students gain extensive experience with the RunGTAP software and GEMPACK programs used for solving the GTAP Model. Upon completion of this module students will:
- know the layout and functions of RunGTAP 'tabs'
- be able to read the GTAP Model in its native TABLO coded environment
- have a functional understanding of the GTAP Data Base and its structure for modeling
- be able to implement a simple shock in the GTAP Model environment
- Topics Covered:
- The RunGTAP Interface
- Understanding Model Implementation
- Hands-On Computing: Data Components
- Hands-On Computing: Simulation
- Module 2 - "Production and Supply in GTAP"
- Module Objectives - Students begin their study of GTAP behavioral assumptions in this module. Upon completion of this module students will:
- understand the theory of production as implemented by GTAP
- gain facility with the nested CES production structure used in the model
- examine the flows and shares specific to the production side of the model
- have completed their first simulation and analysis of a GTAP policy experiment
- Topics Covered:
- Theory of Production
- Operationalizing Production in GTAP
- Production Data – Flows and Shares
- Production Application – Parameters and Analysis
- Module 3 - "Consumer Demand in GTAP"
- Module Objectives - Students move from the production to end-user side of the model in this module. Successful completion of the module will give students experience with:
- treatments of final demand in general equilibrium and the specific assumptions made in GTAP
- the GTAP "Regional Household" and the empirical form of public and private demands
- the data flows and parametric assumptions that drive demand behavior in GTAP
- examining simulation outputs including percentage change variables and updated data
- Topics Covered:
- Consumer Theory
- Operationalizing Final Demands in GTAP
- Demand Data – Income and Expenditure
- Demand Application - Post-sim, Updated Data
- Module 4 - "Prices and Policy Instruments"
- Module Objectives - In this module, we connect the demand and supply sides of regional economies by examining the price system in GTAP. After finishing this module students will:
- know the major policy instruments on transaction in GTAP
- understand how policy shocks transmit to the price system
- be able to identify the data components that define base equilibrium policy levels
- examine simulation outputs from multiple interacting policy instruments
- Topics Covered:
- Theory of Prices
- Price Linkage Equations in GTAP
- Price Linkage Data
- Simulation Exercise – Multiple Tax Adjustments
- Module 5 - "Balance and Equilibrium Conditions in GTAP"
- Module Objectives - In this module, we consider the equilibrium conditions pertinent to the single-region setting. The module training will introduce students to:
- the accounting theory underlying GTAP
- navigation of market clearing equations in GTAP v7
- the accounting basis of the GTAP data matrix
- simulation concepts for linearized economic models
- Topics Covered:
- Theory of Markets
- Equilibrium Conditions in the GTAP
- Market Clearing Data - Numerical Example for SSA Food
- Simulation Application – Revisiting Linearization
- Module 6 - "Introducing the GTAP Open Economy"
- Module Objectives - In this module, we expand our view of the GTAP Model to the open economy setting by returning to the equilibrium conditions previously studied in a single region setting and exploring the additions required to model trade linkages between regions. In this module students will gain knowledge of the:
- GTAP multi-region economy and its key linkages
- fundamental accounting relationships of the multi-region economy in GTAP
- expanded price system required for the multi-region setting
- export supply and import demand basics for GTAP’s international trade treatment
- Topics Covered:
- Overview of the GTAP Framework
- Accounting Relationships and Market Clearing Conditions
- Price Linkages and Taxes in the Multi-region Model
- Behavioral Equations for Production
- Final Demand
- Interpreting Model Results (Tariff Impacts)
- Phase 1 - "Wrap-up Week"
- 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 phase 2.
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Phase 2: Onsite Residency
Phase 2 consists of live, onsite instruction of approximately 8-9 hours/day focusing on applied policy analysis, aimed at helping students master the techniques for developing policy scenarios and understanding the economic interactions that 'drive' CGE model impacts. A core learning objective of this phase is preparing students to contribute to policy debates using quantitative analyses developed from the standard GTAP framework and the suite of model 'extensions' that have been developed for more specialized analysis. Phase 2 culminates with a capstone experience where students complete their own detailed trade or resource policy analysis making use of published application materials and extensions to the GTAP model data and code. A key learning objective of phase 2 is developing capacity for linking the core GTAP model to new data products or modeling sub-systems. We demonstrate this with new applications in climate and energy policy (tracking global emissions from land use change) and trade liberalization (tracking nutrition outcomes of tariff removal).
What GTAP Short Course "Graduates" Are Saying...
"Excellent learning environment, teaching and material."
"Good balance between theory and practical lessons!"
"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned an incredible amount of material in such a short period of time. I look forward to being involved in the GTAP community in the future and using these modelling techniques in my work! Thank you!"
"I really loved the hands-on part of the course; it was a valuable experience and certainly provided a deeper understanding of the difficult and sophisticated linkages of the model."
"The course is very comprehensive and offered an opportunity to be introduced to all aspects of CGE modelling (theory, data, GEMPACK and other)."
Application
Prerequisites
All participants are expected to have a strong foundation in micro-economics. This should be at the level of a calculus-based graduate course in micro-economic theory. Since the course software is designed around a PC environment, it is essential that each participant have access to such a machine. No prior programming or modeling experience is required. Due to the web-based nature of the course, participants will need access to a high-speed internet connection. The online assignments and course project will be implemented in the context of the RunGTAP software interface for GEMPACK. This is a Windows environment for conducting applied general equilibrium analysis. RunGTAP is designed to allow users to focus on economics with the programming details being largely taken care of behind the scenes where it runs GEMPACK programs. GEMPACK is an algebraic modeling language which permits the user to write out the model in a transparent fashion. It is specifically designed for application to large-scale, applied general equilibrium models in a policy-oriented environment.
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 including an invitation letter and details for registration and payment. Note that application does not guarantee acceptance.
Registration Rates
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.
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Developed Country |
Developing Country |
| Professionals |
$4,000 |
$3,000 |
| Students |
$1,500 |
$750 |
Rate Details and Eligibility Requirements
- Developing Country Rates - In order to be eligible for a discounted, developing country rate, applicants must currently be residing in a country listed on the "GTAP Developing Countries List".
- Student Rates - Student rates are only available to current, full-time students. Post-docs and students concurrently working in any professional capacity are not eligible for these rates. Registrants may be asked to provide proof of current academic status.
Cancellations
All cancellations must be emailed to Ginger Batta. Registered participants who are unable to participate will receive a 50% refund until May 11, 2025. 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
Note on YouTube
During this course, some online materials are hosted on YouTube; therefore, participants must have the ability to access YouTube in order to view these videos. If a participant is unable to access YouTube, they must have access to a VPN or remote computer as video source files will not be provided.
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
Invitation letters will be emailed to those selected to enroll in the course at the time of acceptance. Physical invitation letters will not be provided.
Visas
Those selected to enroll who require 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 immediately after being notified of their acceptance. Those who plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa as a temporary visitor, can review visa appointment wait times online.
Lodging
Participants are responsible for securing and paying for their own lodging. A reservation block has been secured at the following hotel. There are other West Lafayette/Lafayette area hotels where participants may choose to stay; however, availability is not guaranteed.
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Hilton Garden Inn
356 East State Street
West Lafayette, IN, 47906
Cost: $132/night + tax
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Book Online
- Using the link above, the blocked dates (August 3-9) and special rate are already applied under group code 90H.
Reservation Deadline: July 12, 2025
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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, Reindeer, or Go Express Travel 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 Lafayette Limo, or Reindeer shuttle services.
- Campus Parking - Please visit Purdue University’s Visitor Parking site for details.
*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.
Last Modified: Wednesday, May 7, 2025