Michael Ostrovsky

In this engaging discussion, Michael Ostrovsky, a Stanford Economics Professor specializing in congestion pricing, and Scott Kominers, a Harvard Business School Professor and market design expert, explore the intricacies of congestion pricing and its recent implementation in New York. They delve into the historical context, the economic theories behind congestion charges, and the political challenges these initiatives face. The conversation also highlights technological alternatives and their implications for urban delivery systems and crypto networks, blending economic theory with practical realities.

Michael Ostrovsky, Professor of Economics, discusses the history and evolution of online advertising auctions, including the challenges faced and innovative solutions developed. Topics explored include the transition from first price to second price auctions, the implementation of the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves mechanism, the success of Amazon's advertising platform, and the expansion of sponsored listings on platforms like Google Play Store and Uber Eats.