Game Changer - the game theory podcast

Eric Maskin, Nobel Prize laureate and professor at Harvard, discusses mechanism design and its applications in market design, carbon emissions reduction, and spectrum rights. Learn about the engineering approach required for mechanism design, the importance of aligning individual and social goals, and the use of bidding mechanisms to allocate valuable assets. Explore how second price auctions incentivize truthful bidding and how mechanism design can be applied to solve environmental issues like pollution and climate change.

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.

Paul Hünermund, assistant professor of Strategy and Innovation, discusses why the Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to David Card, Joshua Angrist, and Guido Imbens. They explore the revolutionary framework of natural experiments and the practical implications of their research in labor markets, education, and business decision-making. The podcast also delves into the role of machine learning in causal analysis and invites feedback and subscription.

Jos Cozijnsen, carbon specialist at the Carbon Neutral Group, discusses the cap & trade system in Europe and the role of carbon credits in reducing emissions. He highlights the expectations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and the link between game theory and climate change. The podcast also explores offset mechanisms and positive solutions for companies and individuals to address climate change.

Kevin Zollman, Professor of Philosophy and Social and Decision Sciences, explains game theoretic concepts to study non-verbal communication between animals. The podcast explores the application of game theory in animal communication, focusing on peacocks' extravagant tails as costly signals. It discusses the honest communication in evolutionary biology, the mystery of chicks' communication, and the concept of equilibrium in evolutionary game theory.

In this episode we are talking to Eva Donnerhack, Director, Specialist for Modern and Impressionist Art and Head of Sales Germany at Sotheby's. Together we take a look behind the curtain of preparing an auction in the world of art, discuss the importance of timing, stories and cultural differences and learn what art auctions and concerts have in common. Eva Donnerhack is Director, Specialist for Modern and Impressionist Art and Head of Sales Germany at the auction house Sotheby's. As such she contributes to many of Sotheby's most promising auctions in London, Paris and New York and is well seasoned when it comes to all things auctions in the world of art.

Scott Page, Complexity, Social Science and Management professor at the University of Michigan, discusses the value of models and their uses in different disciplines. They explore the complexity of models, the importance of using multiple models to understand complex issues, and the role of models in decision-making. They also discuss problem-solving through game theory principles.

Oliver Viehmann, Principal at TWS Partners, discusses game theory in the pharmaceutical industry. They explore drug pricing mechanisms, including regulatory cost-effectiveness and competitive procurement. The complexities and challenges of volume-based procurement in China are examined, highlighting the game theoretic dynamics between payers and manufacturers. Explore different pricing approaches, including outcome-based pricing.

In this episode, Philipp Heller, an expert on mergers, antitrust, and competition, discusses how game theory can be used to predict the effects of market consolidations. They explore examples like the intended merger of Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen and explain game theory concepts useful for antitrust authorities. The podcast also delves into different types of mergers, the impact on competition and consumer welfare, and the role of game theory in antitrust decision-making.

Julien Combe, Professor of Economics, talks about challenges and regulations in finding matching mechanisms for kidney exchanges. Topics include limited supply of deceased donors, advantages of receiving a kidney from a living donor, tissue compatibility in transplantation, and the use of altruistic donors to improve kidney exchange programs.