Population-Scale Network Embeddings Expose Educational Divides in Network Structure Related to Right-Wing Populist Voting

We create network embeddings of the Dutch population, use them to predict voting behavior, and explore interpretability techniques for network embeddings.

September 2025 · Malte Lüken, Javier Garcia-Bernardo, Sreeparna Deb, Flavio Hafner, Megha Khosla

Networks in the market for researchers

We study the role of collaboration networks for placing PhD students in the U.S. We observe a sizable citation premium for graduates placed through the advisor’s network. However, when comparing graduates hired at the same university, the productivity premium is fully explained by public information on the productivity at the time of graduation.

December 2024 · Flavio Hafner, Christoph Hedtrich  · R&R, Economic Journal

Empirical Privacy Evaluations of Generative and Predictive Machine Learning Models -- A review and challenges for practice

We review the empirical testing of privacy in machine learning. We discuss whether and how these tests could be used when evaluating generative algorithms for deployment at statistical agencies and in the health care system.

November 2024 · Flavio Hafner, Chang Sun

The Equilibrium Effects of Workers’ Outside Employment Options: Evidence from a Labour Market Integration

We study a reform that eased cross-border commuting from France to the high-wage Swiss labor market. The results show that if labour supply is elastic enough, the local labour market can expand and absorb additional competition for workers.

April 2024 · Flavio Hafner, Christoph Hedtrich  · R&R, Economic Journal