A new study by Turner College economist Wen Shi and her colleagues Wei Sun and Yi Zhou, both of Grand Valley State University, empirically assesses whether Laos is a suitable candidate for a potential Renminbi zone under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). More specifically, the authors combine optimum currency area theory with a two-country structural model to identify structural shocks and analyze the impacts of China’s supply and demand shocks on Laos’ gross domestic product and price level. The paper, set to appear in a future issue of the Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies, finds that the BRI has played a positive role in promoting Laos−China economic integration. Over time, the effects of China’s macroeconomic shocks not only increased but also became the dominant force driving Laos’ economy during the BRI period of 1999–2023. Ultimately, the findings suggest that joining a Renminbi zone may be feasible for Laos as the BRI continues to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Officials in the Turner College's Butler Center for Research and Economic Development recently put the finishing touches on an extensive report on trends in educational programs and occupations in the Columbus area. The report also includes data on business and technology trends. According to Fady Mansour , Director of the Butler Center, there are several key takeaways from the report regarding 10 occupational gaps that currently exist in the Columbus area. First, software development occupation exhibits the biggest labor shortage, with the report adding that the TSYS School has a bachelor's degree program in information technology along with a new AI track for the bachelor's degree in computer science, both of which can qualify students for this occupation. Other educational programs are in demand, such as computer programming and cloud computing. Second, there is a gap of 30 employees per year in general and operations management. This gap could be addressed by the Turn...

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