Xiaochen Xie | Quantitative Research | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Xiaochen Xie | Quantitative Research | Research Excellence Award

Renmin University of China | China

Dr. Xiaochen Xie is an Assistant Professor at the School of Finance, Renmin University of China, with concurrent research associate positions at the China Financial Policy Research Center, the Institute of Public Finance and Taxation, and the Institute of Digital Economics and Taxation. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and dual B.E. in Finance and B.S. in Statistics from Peking University. His research spans international trade, industrial organization, public economics, and urban economics, with a focus on firm entry, pricing strategies, and the economic impacts of policy interventions. Dr. Xie has published in leading journals, including the Journal of Economic Geography, and has multiple working papers under review in top-tier journals. He has received awards such as Outstanding Young Scholar at Renmin University and recognition for outstanding papers at the NCER-CCER Chinese Economy Conference. Dr. Xie has extensive teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate courses on public finance, quantitative empirical economics, and structural methods. His research integrates empirical and structural approaches to inform trade, fiscal, and industrial policies. Dr. Xie’s work contributes to understanding the intersection of market structure, policy design, and economic welfare, influencing both academic research and practical policy-making.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Chen, Y., Huang, T., & Xie, X. (2025). “Place-based policies: First-mover advantage and persistence.” Journal of Economic Geography, lbaf001.

Lu, W., & Xie, X. (2024). “Trade, markups, and consumer welfare: Evidence from the global smartphone industry.” Available at SSRN 4804811.

Xie, X. (2021). Two essays on firm entry and pricing. The Pennsylvania State University.

Shikha Patel – Urban Analytics Award – Women Researcher

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Shikha Patel embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's in Architecture from Gujarat University, India, where she honed her foundational understanding of architectural principles and design. Building upon this, she pursued a Master's in Architecture (Urban Design) from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India, where she not only deepened her expertise in urban design but also showcased exemplary performance by receiving the Gold Medal from VTU, India. This early academic success laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the field of urban planning and design.

Professional Endeavors

Following her academic pursuits, Shikha delved into the professional realm, bringing her architectural expertise to various roles. She commenced her career as a Junior Architect at SHS Designs, India, where she played a crucial role in the delivery of residential buildings, showcasing her ability to navigate the intricacies of design and construction processes. Subsequently, she transitioned into roles with increasing responsibilities, including Retail Planner at Tesco HSC, India, and Business Development Manager at 100 Krafts, India, where she demonstrated her capacity to manage projects from inception to implementation.

Contributions and Research Focus On Urban Analytics Award

Dr. Shikha's transition into academia marked a significant shift in her career trajectory, where she embarked on a path of research and teaching. Her research interests encompass urban planning, sustainable development, and environmental conservation, with a focus on leveraging her expertise in architecture and urban design to address contemporary urban challenges. Through her publications and conference presentations, such as those focusing on the impact of urban design on mental health and the relationship between land use dynamics and land surface temperatures, Shikha has contributed valuable insights to the academic discourse in her field.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Shikha's contributions to the field of urban planning and architecture have been recognized through various accolades and achievements. Notably, she received the LEED Green Associate certification, underscoring her commitment to sustainable design practices. Additionally, her publication in the Building and Environment journal on the impact of urban planning on human thermal comfort in Doha, Qatar, signifies her standing as a respected researcher in her field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Shikha's work extends beyond the confines of academia, as evidenced by her involvement in projects with organizations such as the United Nations and Qatar University. Her participation in initiatives related to sustainable development and environmental research underscores her commitment to effecting positive change on a global scale. Through her interdisciplinary approach and collaborative endeavors, Shikha has positioned herself as a thought leader in the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and environmental sustainability.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Shikha continues to advance in her career, her legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to the fields of architecture and urban planning. Her commitment to addressing pressing urban challenges, coupled with her dedication to research and education, positions her as a driving force in shaping sustainable and resilient urban environments. Looking ahead, Shikha's future contributions are poised to further advance the discourse on urban sustainability and influence positive change in communities worldwide.

Notable Publication