Heinz College Policy Impact

Whether its 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:

CRIME & DRUG POLICY

Heinz College is leading research in criminal justice including recidivism, policing, and the use of algorithms in sentencing; drug policy research includes 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

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, Randall Trzeciak

DIGITAL CONSUMER BEHAVIOR

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 21^st 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

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

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, Jeremy Weiss

LABOR Economics, Trade & Immigration

^{Photo: 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

SMART CITIES

^{Photo: 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

SOCIETAL IMPACTS OF TECHNOLOGY

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.

Key Experts: Ramayya Krishnan, Leman Akoglu, Lee Branstetter, Alexandra Chouldechova, Rayid Ghani, Christopher Goranson, Kristen Kurland, Rahul Telang

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.