The programme reflected the thematic breadth of current economic research in the Euregio. Contributions ranged from migration, political identity, and consumer behaviour to labour market issues, AI in the workplace, and educational choices, as well as energy prices, government bond markets, production networks, and cybersecurity.
In addition to presentations by early-career researchers, the programme included keynote lectures by Roberto Weber and Shiva Shekhar. A roundtable discussion on doctoral studies, shared breaks, and a social dinner offered further opportunities for networking across the participating institutions.
For the first time, the Cristian Roner Prize was awarded within the framework of the EDCE. The prize commemorates the Trentino economist who completed his doctorate at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and later worked as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Trento. It recognises young researchers who address scientifically and socially relevant questions with methodological rigour, clarity of presentation, and originality.
The prize was awarded to Chiara Gastaldi, a doctoral student at unibz, for her presentation of the paper “Role Models in STEM: Students’ Aspirations and Gender Attitudes – Evidence from a School Randomized Controlled Trial”. The study examines how positive role models influence young people’s educational aspirations, gender attitudes, and study and career choices in STEM fields.
The selection was made by a scientific committee. Professors Marica Valente and Heiner Schumacher served on the committee on behalf of the University of Innsbruck. The EDCE once again highlighted the importance of the Euregio as a space for academic cooperation, constructive feedback, and the promotion of early-career researchers.
The full programme is available on the unibz event page.
Christian Roner Best Presentation Award