Odd Lots What Really Happens at a Fed Research Conference
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Jan 5, 2026 Shebnam Kalemli-Oskan, an economics professor specializing in global networks and trade, dives into the intriguing discussions from the Boston Fed's annual Economic Conference. She reveals how the interconnectedness of trade and finance leaves the U.S. vulnerable to global shocks. The podcast highlights how economists approach pivotal questions, navigate egos, and the impacts of their research on real-world policy. With insights on supply chains and inflation, listeners gain a unique view of the complexities behind economic decision-making.
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Conferences Seed Tomorrow’s Policy Debates
- Fed research conferences surface early, policy-relevant ideas by bringing academics and policymakers together.
- Discussions at events like the Boston Fed shape the intellectual groundwork for future monetary policy.
Design Conferences For Policy Impact
- Conference organizers should pick timely, interdisciplinary themes and urge authors to focus on policy relevance.
- Egon Sakrajevic encourages accessible presentations that spark further research and cross-field collaboration.
U.S. Vulnerability Through Global Networks
- Shebnam Kalemli-Oskan presented research showing the U.S. is more exposed to global shocks when trade, finance and production networks are accounted for.
- She argued supply chains and financial links create indirect vulnerabilities beyond simple trade share metrics.