Game Changer - the game theory podcast
Game Changer is a podcast by TWS Partners that explores game theory and its real-world applications. Hosts invite guests from business and academia to discuss how they use game theory in their professions, sharing anecdotes, facts, and insights. The podcast aims to show that game theory is more than just an academic topic.
Episodes
When Everyone Has a Say: Negotiating Complex Conflicts | with Lawrence Susskind
In this episode, we explore the challenges of multi-party negotiations and why reaching agreement becomes exponentially harder as more stakeholders enter the room. Our guest Lawrence Susskind explains the principles of the Mutual Gains Approach and we discuss applications ranging from local disputes over renewable energy projects to the intricacies of building data centres and setting up other lar
The Calibration Game: Can Anyone Predict the Future? | with Rakesh Vohra
In this episode, we explore what it really means to make a "good" prediction. Starting with something as ordinary as a weather forecast, we discuss why forecasting poses deep economic and game theoretic questions. Together with our guest Rakesh Vohra, we unpack the concept of calibration, examine how forecasts can be evaluated, and revisit the surprising insight that even someone without meteorolo
The Digital Search Paradox – Game Theory, Platforms and Endless Choice | with Sarah Auster
In this episode, we explore how digital platforms transformed markets by dramatically reducing search costs and information asymmetries. Together with Sarah Auster, we dive into the "digital paradox" of endless choice, the unintended consequences of frictionless search, and what this means for the future design of platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Along the way, we uncover the broader economic s
A loser for every winner? Causes and implications of zero-sum thinking | with Nageeb Ali
In this episode, we discuss zero-sum games and zero-sum thinking with our guest, Nageeb Ali. We begin by looking at the broader picture of how zero-sum thinking has become increasingly prominent in today's public debate and how it relates to Akerlof's classic "lemons" problem. Drawing on ideas from economics and game theory, Nageeb shares research connecting zero-sum thinking to questions in polit
The Missing Middle – How Market Design Gets Built for the Public Sector | with Thilo Klein
In this episode, we speak with Thilo Klein about daycare allocation in Germany – a problem that is still mostly run by uncoordinated offers, even though it is well understood in matching theory. The gap isn't theory; it's the missing layer that turns academic mechanisms into systems municipalities can actually run. Thilo Klein traces how that layer is now being built – through years of research, a
Beauty contest – what guessing numbers tells us about Game Theory | with Rosemarie Nagel
In this episode, we speak with Rosemarie Nagel about the Beauty Contest, a classic game in economics. She introduces the setup, its origins, and the early research behind it. We then take a deeper look at the key insights from the Beauty Contest, in particular the concept of level-k reasoning and what it reveals about strategic thinking. Furthermore, Rosemarie shares how findings from these experi
Not the Game You Think: Why Cheap Renewables Don't Mean Cheap Electricity | with Natalia Fabra
Europe's energy crisis has exposed deep structural flaws in how electricity markets work. But according to economist Natalia Fabra, much of the current debate is focused on the wrong problem. In this episode, we unpack why high prices are not simply a result of market design choices like uniform pricing – and why the real issue runs deeper. From the role of gas in price formation to the fundamenta
Clones & Creative Ownership: Economics in the Age of AI | with Annie Liang
In this episode, we explore how game theory and economics can inform the use of AI. Our guest, Annie Liang, introduces the concept of AI clones, systems designed to imitate specific humans, and discusses their potential applications, for example in recruiting. We examine the trade-off between the efficiency gains the clones can provide and the costs that arise when AI cannot perfectly create such
Bridging the Gap: From Lab Experiments to Real Behaviour – with Jan Stoop
Can we trust lab experiments to predict real-world behaviour? In this episode, we explore the question of external validity together with Jan Stoop. From classic dictator games in the lab to misdelivered envelopes with real cash in private homes, we discuss whether people act differently when they are being observed - and what happens when established lab findings meet reality. We also talk about
Optimising for Trouble – Game Theory and AI Safety | with Jobst Heitzig
What happens when an AI system faithfully follows a flawed goal? In this episode, we explore how even well-designed algorithms can produce dangerous outcomes — from amplifying hate speech to mismanaging infrastructure — simply by optimising a reward function which, like all reward functions, fails to encode all that matters. We discuss the hidden risks of reinforcement learning, why over-optimisat
Political Polarisation – A Game-Theoretic Perspective | with Adam Meirowitz
In this episode, we discuss how game theory sheds light on modern electoral competition. Our guest, Adam Meirowitz, introduces the classical model of candidate convergence and explains why real elections often depart from this prediction. We then explore the role of echo chambers and selective exposure, and why these surprisingly do not necessarily lead to greater polarisation. We also touch on ho
Cheap talk – Game Theory's insights on communication | with Navin Kartik
Talk is cheap – literally. But if words cost nothing, why do we ever trust them? In this episode, Yale Professor Navin Kartik breaks down the game theory of communication. We kick things off with the basics: what is the academic definition of "cheap talk", and why does cheap talk sometimes work but other times break down? From there, we transition to Navin's own research, which explores deeper fac
How do you decide? – Decision Theory and Uncertainty | with Itzhak Gilboa
In this episode, we explore the foundations and evolution of decision theory. Our guest, Itzhak Gilboa, begins with a brief historical overview of how the field has developed over time. We naturally discuss maximising expected utility, Bayesian decision theory, and Savage's representation theorem. Itzhak then delves into critiques of the Bayesian approach, especially concerning its interpretation
Influence Pays – Game Theory for Smarter Workplace Incentives | with Pau Milán
In this episode, we explore how game theory and network effects intersect to inform optimal incentive structures in organizations. Pau Milán walks us through his recent research, co-authored with Nicolás Oviedo-Davila and Marc Claveria, which uses a novel game-theoretic model to show how the productivity of one employee can amplify the output of others in their network—and how firms can leverage t
Are equilibria a good predictor for real-life behaviour? | with Colin Camerer
In this episode we explore the most classical topic from Game Theory – equilibrium analysis. Our guest Colin Camerer shares insights on the game LUPI ('lowest unique positive integer'). We first discuss the actual mathematical equilibrium analysis and then dive into real life: results from a Swedish game show in which the game was played in a lottery format. Colin also compares the results from th
The Power of Connection – A Game Theoretic View on Networks | with Matthew Jackson
In this episode we explore the economic and strategic foundations of networks – from personal connections in the labor market to complex webs of international trade and conflict together with our guest Matthew Jackson. He unpacks how networks shape opportunities, inequalities, and global dynamics, and how game theory helps us understand the power and fragility of these structures. Along the way, w
Robbing the many to pay the one – game theory and temptation | with Carlos Alós-Ferrer
In this episode we are talking about corporate scandals, selfishness, and how game theory can help us understand when people give in to temptation. Carlos Alós-Ferrer explains how his "Big Robber" experiment shows that while people often act pro-socially in classical economic games, things change when individuals are given the chance to earn large sums of money at the expense of harming many other
From First Offer to Final Minute: Lessons from Unstructured Bargaining | with Emin Karagözoğlu
In this episode, we dive into the world of experimental research on unstructured bargaining, exploring how real-world negotiations unfold when stripped of rigid rules and scripts. Our guest Emin explains how opening offers shape the conversation, the unspoken dance of reputation, and the ticking clock of deadlines – showing that even in seemingly messy contexts, strategic patterns emerge. Emin
Impact or Innocence? Game Theoretic Clues to Why We Give | with Dennie van Dolder
In this episode we explore what motivates people to give, using insights from a Dutch TV game show where a live audience decides how to split €10,000 among three contestants. We discuss how real-world data from natural experiments can help answer questions about fairness, impact, and generosity - and what this means for fundraisers and policymakers. Dennie van Dolder is Senior Lecturer (Associat
From Clicks to Chatbots: The Future of Online Advertising | with Dirk Bergemann
In this episode we dive deep into the economics of digital markets with Dirk Bergemann. We discuss how search platforms like Google created entirely new marketplaces around user attention and private information, what makes digital markets so unique, and how auction design evolved to match the scale and complexity of internet advertising. Dirk also shares insights from his own research on how plat
Strange Bedfellows: The Game Theory Behind Counterintuitive Alliances | with David Pinsof
In this episode, we talk to David Pinsof about the surprising ways people form their beliefs and build alliances. Drawing on his survey with Cards Against Humanity, he shares how people often hold contradictory views and what this reveals about group coordination. We also dive into his game-theoretic model of coalition-building, explore how humor functions as a coordination tool, and discuss the d
Man vs. model – game theoretic insights on AI in auctions | with Vitali Gretschko
In this episode we are talking to Vitali Gretschko about how generative AI can be used to simulate strategic behaviour in auctions. We explore where AI tools can support auction design, where they fall short, and how practitioners should interpret simulation results. Vitali also explains why AI is best seen as a co-intelligence that needs expert guidance. Vitali Gretschko is Professor for sustai
Punishment or Pettiness? The Game Theory Behind Spite | with Rory Smead
In this episode, our guest Rory Smead shares insights on spite and what game theory can teach us about this puzzling behaviour. He explains why people sometimes punish others even at a cost to themselves, and whether this can be understood through more than just fairness. Using the ultimatum game as a central example, he discusses how spite can influence decision-making and what this reveals about
When Bonuses Backfire: Rethinking Attendance Incentives | with Timo Vogelsang
In this episode we are talking to Timo Vogelsang about why incentives aimed at reducing absenteeism can sometimes have the opposite effect. Based on a Field Experiment in a German supermarket chain, he explains why offering bonuses for attendance backfired. We also explore how incentives can unintentionally shape beliefs and undermine motivation. Timo Vogelsang is Associate Professor of Manageri
Too Sure for Our Own Good? The Hidden Cost of Overconfidence | with Philipp Strack
In this episode, we sit down with Philipp Strack to explore the hidden consequences of overconfidence. From distorted learning to discrimination and systemic bias, Philipp explains to us how overestimating ourselves can quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and even society — and why it's not always a bad thing. Philipp Strack is a professor of Economics at Yale University with a secondary
The marriage penalty – how the church rewired cooperation networks | with Jonathan Schulz
In this episode we explore how historical kinship structures, shaped in part by decisions of the Catholic Church, may have fundamentally changed the way humans are able to cooperate on a large scale. Using game theoretic concepts like reciprocity and network structure, we uncover how bans on cousin marriages and even modern Facebook data can help explain patterns of trust and cooperation today.
Why Climate Agreements Fail: An Innovative Solution Based on Mechanism Design | with Klaus M. Schmidt
In this episode together with our guest Klaus M. Schmidt, we explore the economic challenges behind global climate agreements. We discuss why past agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement struggled to deliver the desired results and examine how a new negotiation design centered on a uniform CO₂ price could lead to better outcomes. Klaus also shares insights from experimental stud
Globalization and Protectionism – A Game Theoretic View | with Claudia Steinwender
In this episode, we explore how globalization has shaped trade and innovation—and why rising protectionism is challenging its benefits. What happens when countries impose tariffs and trade restrictions? And how can policymakers navigate the balance between open markets and domestic interests? Claudia Steinwender is a Professor of Economics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Her research
How to achieve cooperation: Learnings from fieldwork with the Turkana people | with Sarah Mathew
In this episode we are speaking with Sarah Mathew about cooperation – especially how cooperation is achieved in the absence of institutions. Sarah gives some theoretical background, shares the concept of free rider problems and the relationship to punishment. She then illustrates the background based on her fieldwork: She has studied how the Turkana people achieve cooperation when going on raids
The Truth About Misinformation: Myths, Reality, and Rational Beliefs | with Daniel Williams
In this episode we are speaking with philosopher Daniel Williams about misinformation—what it is, how it spreads, and whether it is truly on the rise in the form of "fake news". We also explore why people cling to irrational beliefs and how rationalization shapes public discourse. Finally, Daniel shares strategies for tackling misinformation and engaging with those who hold questionable beliefs.
Mastering High-Stakes Deals: The Power of Game Theory | with Matthias Schranner & Sebastian Moritz
In our 100th episode, we bring together Matthias Schranner of the Schranner Negotiation Institute and Sebastian Moritz from TWS Partners to celebrate the power of Game Theory in high stakes negotiations. We explore real-world negotiation cases, discuss the Game Theory perspective on successful strategies, and highlight how the two intersect to empower decision-makers. Join us as we reflect on 100
Can Game Theory help solve international conflicts? – Commitment and Negotiations | with Topi Miettinen
In this episode, Topi Miettinen shares his view and research on insights from Game Theory on international conflicts. We start discussing different examples of conflicts, e.g. complex negotiations within the EU and even war. Based on the examples Topi shares his research on the role of commitment to finding agreements. He also shares how his research extends from a bilateral negotiation (as in a
How did morality evolve? - Game Theory, Evolution and Philosophy | with J. McKenzie Alexander
In this episode, we discuss with our guest J. McKenzie Alexander evolutionary game theory and its applications. We start discussing different models from evolutionary game theory starting with the local interaction model and then moving to the replicator model. Based on that we then turn to applications in social theory especially when discussing proto-moral behaviour. J. McKenzie Alexander is Pro
Why We Don't Get the Politicians We Want: On Corruption, Polarization, and Voter Bias | with Raymond Fisman
In this episode, our guest Raymond Fisman explains to us the persistent challenge of corruption and the surprising ways in which political polarization and so called "wedge issues" help to sustain it. He shares his insights into why anti-corruption reforms remain elusive despite widespread public demand for honest governance and the creative measures some leaders have taken to battle corruption.
The Nobel Prize in Economics 2024: How Institutions Shape Development | with Navid Sabet
In this episode, we explore the contributions of this year's Nobel Prize laureates in Economics – Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson – and their work on the role of institutions in shaping economic prosperity. Our guest, Navid Sabet guides us through their core findings and shares his perspective on their influential research and its impact on the field of political economy. Finally
The game theory behind resolving online disputes | with Selçuk Özyurt
In this episode, we dive into the world of online mediation mechanisms and how they can resolve disputes in digital marketplaces. As online transactions become more global and complex, the need for efficient, strategy-proof systems to mediate conflicts has never been more crucial. Selçuk Özyurt explains how these mechanisms should be designed to handle disputes fairly. In this context, we discuss
Playing by the rules – a game theoretic view on social norms | with Cristina Bicchieri
In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of social norms and how they influence behavior through the lens of game theory. What exactly are social norms, and why do they matter? Cristina Bicchieri explains how these unwritten rules shape our everyday actions and how game theory helps us understand when and why people follow or break these norms. We also delve into how organizations use thi
Breaking down Brexit – a game theoretic perspective | with Stefaan De Rynck
In this episode, we delve into the high-stakes negotiations between the EU and the UK during Brexit, exploring the strategies and tactics from a game-theoretic perspective. Stefaan De Rynck provides an insider's view of the process, discussing key moments, the differing objectives of both sides, and the strategic approaches taken to achieve their goals. We analyze how the EU maintained a united fr
Are you among the top performing managers? – Overconfidence and its causes | with Collin Raymond
In this episode, we discuss overconfidence and its underlying psychological mechanisms. Our guest Collin Raymond shares his research (joint work with David Huffman and Julia Shvets) based on a field study he conducted with managers in the context of their Bonus payment. We discuss their findings on how managers make overconfident predictions about their individual future performance. In the study
Avoiding Value Drain in Dealmaking – Game Theoretic Strategies | with Paul Papayoanou
In this episode, we delve into the common pitfalls that negotiators face which lead to value drain in dealmaking. Our guest Paul Papayoanou identifies four types of value-destructive behaviours and shares insights on avoiding these traps. He also outlines the characteristics of an effective dealmaker, emphasising the importance of being a savvy strategist who can balance toughness with fairness. F
Playing the Gene Game: On Genomics, Insurance, and Game Theory | with Eduardo Azevedo
In this episode, we discuss with Eduardo Azevedo his research on adverse selection in insurance markets. Eduardo gives details on recent developments in genomic advances, also in light of the significant price decrease for obtaining the individual genome. We discuss the possible long-term effect on the insurance market (e.g. specific health insurances) if individuals had access to their genome and
Explaining Loss Aversion using Game Theoretic models | with Greg Kubitz
In this episode, we discuss with Greg Kubitz his research on loss aversion. Greg shares his research in which he targets to explain loss aversion using Game Theoretic approaches. He combines approaches such as the principal agent model to be able to look at loss aversion through the evolutionary lens considering realistic assumptions on biological constraints given through our neural system. Gre
Us vs. Them: Experiments on group identity| with Yan Chen
In this episode, we engage with Yan Chen to unravel the underlying mechanisms of group identity and group discrimination. Yan discusses her research on ingroup favoritism. We learn how ingroup favoritism can occur even in assigned, artificial groups, and that people with a strong group identity even have a willingness to pay to shield themselves from outgroup information. Yan also provides insight
Game Theory Goes to School: Strategic Decisions in Young Minds | with Isabelle Brocas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating intersection of developmental psychology and economic theory through the lens of children's strategic decision-making abilities: Our discussion focuses on how the evolving capacities of children's brains influence their ability to engage in complex strategic thoughts. Our guest Isabelle Brocas shares the fascinating findings from long-term experimental s
Playing for a Better Society: Game Theory and Civic Responsibility | with Tore Ellingsen
In this episode, we delve into the complex world of fostering civic responsibility. Our guest Tore Ellingsen explains how the interplay of regulation, personal sacrifice, and culture can build socially responsible societies or organisations. The conversation is rooted in the perspectives offered in Tore's recent book, "Institutional and Organizational Economics: A Behavioral Game Theory Introducti
To click or not to click: can we trust sponsored search results? | with Maarten Janssen
In this episode, our guest Maarten Janssen helps us to explore the field of consumer (online) search. We discuss why economists are particularly interested in this topic and explore the reliability and dynamics of sponsored search results, uncovering the nuances and implications of these prevalent online phenomena. The insights from Maarten's research (which he conducted together with Thomas Jungb
Discouraging consumption of sin goods – taxes versus nudges | with Dmitry Taubinsky
In this episode, we explore with Dmitry Taubinsky economic approaches on regulating sin goods such as alcohol or sugary beverages. We discuss the classical approach of taxation and Dmitry compares the approach to nudging approaches. Our discussion leads us into many further economic details: From externalities and internalities, over the question who bears the tax burden to the price elasticity of
Hidden Games: Exploring the rationality of irrational choices | with Moshe Hoffman
In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood relationship between game theory and human behaviour. Our guest Moshe Hoffman challenges the conventional belief that game theory only applies to rational actors. As Moshe explains in his book "Hidden games" (co-authored with Erez Yoeli), even seemingly irrational behaviours and preferences can be explained through game theory. We dive into the
Avoid sending mixed signals! – signalling in negotiations and beyond | with Uri Gneezy
In this episode we are talking to Uri Gneezy about his latest book publication "Mixed Signals – How Incentives Really Work". He explains to us what mixed signals are and makes us aware that we encounter them far more frequently than one would expect. We deep dive into the topic in the context of negotiations where signaling plays a major role. Uri walks us through the different effects that are at
The Economist's Brain: Tracing Choices with Neuroeconomic Insights | with Juan D. Carrillo
In this episode, we explore together with our guest Juan D. Carrillo the confluence of economics and neuroscience in understanding human decision-making processes. We delve into how the combination of these two disciplines can illuminate the biological basis of decision making, with a particular focus on complex scenarios like multi-task decision making, self-control, and impulsivity. Juan shares
Feeding America – allocating food to food banks with innovative market mechanisms | with Canice Prendergast
In this episode, we discuss with Canice Prendergast how market design mechanisms can be applied in social services. Canice shares how he collaborated with Feeding America on optimally allocating about 300 million pounds of food per year to hundreds of food banks across the United States. They were developing a market-based allocation mechanism introducing an internal currency to bid for available
Does opaque AI lead to a catastrophe? – a Game Theorist's view | with Jeffrey Ely
In this episode, we discuss with Jeff Ely a topic that has gotten significant public attention last year with the introduction of Chat GPT and similar programmes: The role of AI. Jeff shares his research with Balazs Szentes on a natural selection model on AI. They set up a model to study the AI control problem in the context of decentralized economic production. The study illustrates the importanc
Split or Steal? Experiments on lies and self-deception | with Marta Serra-Garcia
In this episode, we explore with Marta Serra-Garcia the paradoxes of human behaviour in the realms of self-deception and lie detection. Marta's research, rooted in behavioural and experimental economics, questions why lying persists in a society that values morality. We delve into her experiments that examine how people reconcile their self-image with material interests, the timing of incentive in
Fortune's Fairness: The Super-Rich's View on Inequality | with Alain Cohn
In this episode, our guest Alain Cohn helps us to understand the complex relationship between wealth and perceptions of fairness in society. We explore his innovative research methodology, which move beyond traditional surveys to more accurately reflect the nuances of economic behaviors. The conversation also highlights the differences in attitudes towards inequality among the wealthy, particular
Union negotiators are Game Theorists – 2023 UAW strike and its outcomes | with Marc Robinson
In this episode, our guest Marc Robinson, strategy and risk management expert, shares details on the recent UAW strikes and negotiations. With his rich background in the automotive industry and his experience as an economist at General Motors in the past, Marc observed the recent negotiations from a Game Theorist perspective. He shares the key success factors for the UAW to complete the union nego
(Nuclear) Deterrence as a Game Theoretic concept | with Frank Zagare
In this episode we are talking to Frank Zagare about deterrence. The term gained popularity in particular during the cold war to describe the role of nuclear weapons in Soviet-American relations and, in light of recent events, has surfaced again. Together with Frank we look at the concept from a Game Theoretic perspective and discuss the shortcomings of the classical way of modeling deterrence. Fr
Would you return a lost wallet? – Economist's perspective on honesty | with Michel Maréchal
In this episode we are talking to Michel Maréchal about honesty from an economist's perspective. He shares with us two studies he has conducted on honesty: Firstly, we talk about a mega-study in which Michel and his colleagues have tested in more than 300 cities around the globe with more than 17000 wallets whether people would rather return lost wallets if there were a higher or lower amount of m
In plain sight - why simplicity should be considered in game theoretic concepts | with Shengwu Li
In this episode we are talking to Shengwu Li about simplicity in game theoretic concepts. He explains to us, what simple means in this context, how this notion facilitates application of game theory to the "real world" and what an obviously dominant strategy is. We discuss how this understanding of game theory can be particularly helpful when conducting auctions and what practitioners need to know
Picking up speed - how companies can make headway in reaching CO2 targets | with Daniel Helmig
For many companies reaching their self-imposed CO2 targets has become quite a tall order. While procurement has tried to rise to the occasion progress is often slow. In this episode we are talking to Daniel Helmig who explains to us how companies can get unstuck and move forward in reaching their CO2 targets. We discuss what the past can teach us about possible solutions, which three important que
Cracking the Code: Incentivising teams in non-routine tasks | with Florian Englmaier
In this episode, our guest Florian Englmaier explores the effectiveness of monetary incentives in driving team efficiency and innovation. He shares insights from an experimental study conducted in an escape room setting, uncovering surprising findings about the impact of incentives on non-routine tasks and the emergence of leadership dynamics within teams. Florian Englmaier is professor of orga
Learning from a negotiation expert - the role of 'tactical empathy' | with Chris Voss
In this episode we are talking to Chris Voss. He is a former FBI hostage negotiator and has written a bestselling book "Never split the difference". We discuss with him, what we can learn from hostage negotiations about negotiations in other settings, especially in the business context. Chris shares his approaches to negotiations and compares the importance of "tactical empathy" with Game Theoreti
Let's go to the movies! – Game Theory in films | with Santiago Sanchez-Pages
In today's episode, we discuss Game Theory in movies. Santiago shares in which movies the prisoner's dilemma, the chicken game and other concepts are portrayed. The discussion brings us to many known movies, amongst them 'The dark knight', 'A Beautiful Mind', and many others. Below we have listed a list of links of the movie clips we discuss in this episode. Santiago also shares in the discussion
Hidden Gems – Gathering insights from unconventional data sources | with Stefano DellaVigna
In this episode, our guest Stefano DellaVigna shares his approach to answering research questions through various data sources, including lab experiments, natural experiments, and field experiments. We explore the significance of seeking out natural experiments and their value in enhancing our understanding of human behavior. Using examples such as the impact of violent movies on violence and chan
Behind the Stars: Uncovering the Biases in Online Reviews | with Tommaso Bondi
In this episode Tommaso Bondi shares his research on cultural markets with us. We take a deep dive into the insights he gained when studying online reviews and he explains to us why, counterintuitively, earning public recognition does not necessarily lead to higher ratings. A finding which, as we learn from Tommaso, is closely related to how well customer preferences and product match. Tommaso's r
A Tale of Two Players: Exploring the Rubinstein Bargaining Model | with Ariel Rubinstein
In today's episode, we explore one of the classics in Bargaining theory: The Rubinstein Bargaining Model. And we have found the perfect guest - who better to explain this bargaining model than its founder Ariel Rubinstein himself! Ariel not only shares how the idea of the model came to be, but he also comments on some results and critically discusses whether the Rubinstein Bargaining Model (and Ga
Can Cash Cloud the Mind? Exploring the Influence of Incentives on Personal Choices | with Sandro Ambühl
Monetary incentives are a part of our daily lives, from work bonuses to fines for minor traffic violations. But can they lead us to make bad decisions? In this episode, our guest Sandro Ambühl presents an empirical study in which he investigates this very question. He explains what constitutes a bad decision in the economic/rational sense and how people's decisions are related to regret, informati
Clicking Against the Clock: How time pressure and regret influence our behaviour in online shopping | with Timm Opitz
In this episode, we explore how time pressure and regret can influence our search behavior as customers in the world of online shopping. Our guest, Timm Opitz, sheds light on his research paper titled "Time Pressure and Regret in Sequential Search", which investigates the impact of urgency and regret on optimal search behavior by conducting experiments in a controlled environment. He also shares s
AI and Regulation: Finding the Sweet Spot for Consumer Welfare | with Keith Chan
Join us in this episode as we explore the rise of AI technology and the complex decisions that policy makers are facing regarding the protection of privacy and fostering of innovation. Our guest Keith sheds light on how moderately loosening regulations in a competitive market environment may maximize consumer welfare. However, we also discuss how some countries, such as Russia, strongly deviate fr
From Connections to Careers: On the Impact of Personal Referrals in the Labour Market | with Felix Mylius
In this episode Felix Mylius shares his insights on personal referrals in labour markets. He explains to us why personal referrals are still relevant for job search today despite the predominant use of online platforms to find jobs and how all this is linked to Game Theory and matching markets. Together we dive into firms' incentives, implications for search platforms and discuss whether this is t
The doctor is in! Misguided incentives and regulation in healthcare markets | with Simon Reif
In this episode we are diving into the topic of healthcare markets together with Simon Reif. He explains to us what makes the healthcare market so special, why its characteristics call for regulation and how systems differ substantially across countries. Focusing on Europe we discuss how, counterintuitively, setting a "global budget" for hospitals leads to poorer service and how generating the rig
Truth-telling by design: how Market Design can alleviate inequality | with Piotr Dworczak
In this episode Piotr Dworczak explains to us how Market Design can contribute to alleviating inequality by increasing accuracy of policies targeting inequality. He does so using an example from the housing market which shows that more often than not it is very difficult to ensure that subsidies actually reach people in need since they cannot be easily identified. This is where Market Design comes
Why sometimes we are better off not knowing – on information design and Bayesian persuasion | with Emir Kamenica
In this episode Emir Kamenica introduces us to the research field of information design. He recaps the history of modelling information in economics from the 70s to today, and explains term "Bayesian Persuasion" (and if and how it differs from the term "information design"). He then illustrates how having full information e.g. as a navigation app user can lead to inefficient outcomes and what info
Putting your money where your mouth is – on commitment in auctions | with Vitali Gretschko
In this episode, Vitali Gretschko sheds some light on a fundamental game theoretic concept: Commitment. He explains why commitment is a crucial prerequisite of auctions and introduces different ways of generating commitment. We also explore how commitment is linked to the concept of information and discuss auction concepts which make it less likely for the auctioneer to break their commitment afte
Auctions, bidding strategies and uncertainty | with Bernhard Kasberger
From selling on eBay over Google advertisements to buying a house, auctions are all around us! But what makes it so difficult to find the right bidding strategy? In this episode Bernhard Kasberger sheds some light on what a so called first price auction is, why it is challenging to "bid correctly" and what the recipe for the optimal bid strategy under maximum uncertainty is in theory. He explains
A dangerous game: On Geoengineering and moral hazard | with Gernot Wagner
In this episode Gernot Wagner explains the concept of Geoengineering and its potential role in preventing climate change. He analyses the implications of Geoengineering from a game theoretic perspective and shows the connection to the game theoretic concept of "moral hazard". He also gives some advice on how we can all profit from the (potential) advantages of Geoengineering (and other new technol
To share or not to share. Credit, incentives and competition among researchers | with Remco Heesen
To share or not to share. Credit, incentives and competition among researchers | with Remco Heesen In this episode Remco Heesen shares his insights on the trade-offs researchers face when deciding whether to share intermediate results with fellow researchers. He explains how incentive structures in research lead to a suboptimal outcome and gives historic examples of prominent researchers who have
How to bid in an auction – with Paul Papayoanou
In this episode, we discuss with Paul Papayoanou his real life experience as a consultant applying Game Theory. Paul has worked on over 150 engagements using his expertise. In our discussion we especially focus on Paul's experience in consulting bidders participating in auctions. Paul shares how he prepares his clients when they enter an auction and what makes a good bidding strategy. Paul Papay
Celebrating 50 episodes of Game Changer | with Miriam, Simon and Florian
To celebrate 50 episodes of Game Changer, we take a look behind the scenes. The hosts Simon and Florian take the role of interviewees and answer Miriam's questions on their motivation and goals for the game changer podcast and how the episodes are prepared and recorded. We would like to thank all our listeners for sticking with us for 50 episodes and we are looking forward to the next 50 episodes
'Would you rather' - what drives our decisions– with Shachar Kariv
In this episode, we focus on 'decision theory' and discuss with Shachar its connection to Game Theory. Shachar shares the three key trade-offs relevant for taking a decision. We also discuss the 'dictator game' and how Shachar applied a modified version of the dictator game to study preferences of decision makers in real life. Shachar Kariv is Benjamin N. Ward Professor of Economics at the Unive
Are football players Game Theorists? – scoring the perfect penalty | with Ben Lyttleton
In this episode we talk to Ben Lyttleton about a particular topic in football: how to score the perfect penalty. Ben is an expert on penalties and has gathered a lot of insights on the 'perfect penalty' in his book Twelve Yards: The Art & Psychology of the Perfect Penalty. Ben shares that penalties are much more complex than initial Game Theory models would suggest. For a full understanding of pen
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