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POLICY HAPPENS HERE


Heinz College experts are trusted voices in the most crucial policy debates

Heinz College Policy Impact


From Washington, D.C., to Silicon Valley, Heinz College experts create and inform policies that will shape the future of our nation, society, and world.

Martin Gaynor speaking to the FTC

Whether it's driving groundbreaking research, speaking on expert panels, testifying before Congress and other government bodies, elevating the use of technology in the public policy sphere, testing new ideas and programs, or sharing perspectives in the media, Heinz College's cross-disciplinary thought leaders are out in front on the most pressing issues of our time.

From health care and trade to criminal justice and national security, there is no shortage of consequential policy debates in the United States and abroad. Heinz College confronts such complex problems with novel approaches and innovative methodologies guided by evidence.

Heinz College doesn't just participate in these conversations. We lead them, shift them, and shape them.

Jump to a Policy Area:

AI & the SOCIETAL IMPACTS OF TECHNOLOGY

Photo collage featuring Dean Krishnan and Senator Bob Casey, faculty meeting with members of the New Democrat Coalition, Rayid Ghani and other panelists being sworn in for Senate testimony, and Dean Krishnan and other policy school deans meeting with President Bill Clinton

Policy and technology have historically been separate domains, but more and more the lines between the two—and the demands they place on each other—are blurring. From the future of work to algorithmic bias, technology has the potential to reshape our society, and our experts are visionaries who advise policymakers and craft solutions that will ensure technology has broad and inclusive social benefits. Learn how Heinz College is leading the way in AI policy.

Key Experts: Ramayya Krishnan, Leman Akoglu, Lee Branstetter, Alexandra Chouldechova, Rayid Ghani, Gabriela Gongora-SvartzmanChristopher Goranson, Kristen Kurland, Rahul Telang

Recent Publications:

CRIME & DRUG POLICY

Professor Dan Nagin speaking in a classroom

Heinz College is at the forefront of research in criminal justice including recidivism, policing, sentencing and incarceration, gun violence, the impacts of algorithmic bias in criminal justice, and evidence-based recommendations for criminal justice reform; key areas of drug policy research include studies of new cannabis markets, substance abuse, and the reduction/prevention of opioid deaths.

Key Experts: Al Blumstein, Jonathan Caulkins, Daniel Nagin

CYBERSECURITY & DATA PRIVACY

Alessandro Acqusiti giving a speech about data privacy

As the world becomes more connected and data is both generated and collected at unprecedented rates, the need for policy solutions in cybersecurity and privacy have grown tremendously. Key areas of research and influence include risk management, election security, and privacy economics.

Key Experts: Alessandro Acquisti, Rahul Telang, Gregory TouhillRandall Trzeciak

DIGITAL CONSUMER BEHAVIOR

Mike Smith giving a TED talk

Many industries have been turned upside down by technology and big data, which has caused the rise of new business models as well as complex consumer behaviors and legal concerns. Our experts inform policymakers and industry leaders alike on how 21st century innovations like social media and digital streaming impact economics, politics, and culture.

Key Experts: Pedro Ferreira, Beibei Li, Michael D. Smith, Rahul Telang

Energy, Environment & SUSTAINABILITY

Karen Clay in her office

Rapid social and political changes have placed increasing demands on institutions to be agents of equity. Our energy experts, environmental economists, and sustainability leaders dig deep into the effects of climate change, regulations, and adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals on crucial areas like health; clean air, water and soil; child development; equality and justice; and the global economy.

Key Experts: Karen Clay, Akshaya Jha, Sarah Mendelson, Edson Severnini

Health care

Amelia Haviland speaking at CMU

Our faculty push the boundaries of what's possible in health care, whether its groundbreaking analysis of existing and emerging health care markets and models, or opening new frontiers in health care powered by technology.

Key Experts: George Chen, Martin Gaynor, Amelia Haviland, Rema Padman

LABOR Economics, Trade & Immigration

Lee Branstetter speaking at the Peterson InstitutePhoto: Peterson Institute/Jeremey Tripp

At the intersection of technology and society, the areas of economics, trade, and immigration face complex and evolving questions. Topics of research include the future of work—including economic disruption and labor displacement fueled by automation and AI—the effects of immigration on local economies, the rise of China as an economic power, and the impact of trade wars, past and current.

Key Experts: Lee Branstetter, Brian Kovak, Lowell Taylor

URBAN POLICY & SMART CITIES

Karen Lightman speaking at a Brookings Institution eventPhoto: Brookings Institution/Paul Morigi

One of the most profound changes in the Fourth Industrial Revolution will be the coming online of smart cities and communities across the globe, which will create new possibilities for citizen engagement, public safety, economic growth, and quality of life. Heinz College is a global leader in advancing smart cities research and policy.

Key Experts: Stan Caldwell, Mark Kamlet, Karen Lightman, Sean Qian, Raj Rajkumar, Richard Stafford

COVID-19 RESPONSE & RECOVERY

Professor Lowell Taylor speaking in a classroom

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Heinz College has advised government and public health leaders at all levels with evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations. Our faculty's interdisciplinary expertise and innovative approaches have proved critical in responding to the economic, health, and political crises posed by COVID-19.

Key Experts: Ramayya KrishnanScott Andes, Lee BranstetterJonathan Caulkins, Karen Clay, Martin GaynorRayid Ghani, Beibei Li, Daniel Nagin, Rema Padman, Richard Stafford, Hai Wang, Peter Zhang

POLICY PROPOSALS, WHITE PAPERS, and Reports FROM STUDENTS

student developed policy proposals

Our students work alongside leading faculty researchers to explore critical policy questions and devise evidence-based, implementable solutions. Research projects are completed via independent study or in courses designed to promote policy analysis and research. Students are also encouraged to participate in student-run policy publications and initiatives, including the Heinz Journal and Heinz Radio.

Policy Proposals, PAPER, and REPORTS:

ENGAGING WITH LEADERS AT EVERY LEVEL

Our students and faculty regularly have meaningful engagements with leaders from the City of Pittsburgh, local and county agencies, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, national politicians including U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-18) and Conor Lamb (PA-17), and distinguished guest speakers and lecturers.

  • John Fetterman, Malcolm Kenyatta, Alex Khalil, and Conor Lamb debating during senate primary
  • Representative Mike Doyle speaks at Heinz College
  • Representative Conor Lamb speaks at Heinz College
  • U.S. Senator Bob Casey speaking at Heinz College

LEADING PUBLIC DISCOURSE


Heinz College has hosted several high-profile primary debates, as well as speaker series events with elected leaders.

  • Dean Krishnan and Senator Casey at Congressional Roundtable
  • Dean Krishnan and Senator Bob Casey
  • Dean Ramayya Krishan with Chike Aguh

Addressing Important Issues


Dean Krishnan recently participated in Senator Bob Casey's Congressional Round Table on how technology impacts workplace safety outcomes and hosted U.S. Department of Labor CIO Chike Aguh.

Carmen Yulin Cruz speaking to students at Heinz College

EXEMPLIFYING RESILIENCE AND RESOLVE


San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz (HNZ '86) came to campus for conversations about energy resilience and leadership.

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Susie Lee in a classroom of elementary students

REPRESENTING INTELLIGENT ACTION


U.S. Rep Susie Lee (HNZ '90) recently won election to Congress from Nevada's 3rd district. She met with our policy students in DC to discuss how CMU shaped her approach to leadership.

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Barack Obama speaking at CMU

A NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR BIG IDEAS


President Obama held the White House Frontiers Conference at CMU to discuss building America's capacity in science, technology, and innovation

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A PRESENCE ON CAPITOL HILL

Our faculty and alumni are frequently called to testify before Congress. Recent appearances include:

AI Transparency


Dean Ramayya Krishnan explained the need for transparency in artificial intelligence, testifying to a sub-committee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Governing AI Acquisitions


Prof. Rayid Ghani puts forward recommendations to the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee for procuring and using AI systems in way that will result in a more equitable society.

Equitable Algorithms


Prof. Rayid Ghani speaks to the House Financial Services Committee as part of the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.

Decoding Health Care Markets


Prof. Martin Gaynor testifies before the House Judiciary Committee on the Effects of Consolidation and Anticompetitive Conduct in Health Care Markets

China and Technology


Prof. Lee Branstetter testifies before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission on how to address China’s alleged misappropriation of foreign technology without stirring up a...

Overcoming Pharmaceutical Barriers


Alumna Tara O'Neill Hayes (MSPPM 2014) of the American Action Forum testified before the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee.