USC Marshall Faculty Unveils Innovative Research in AI and Economics

On December 1, 2023, faculty members from the USC Marshall School of Business showcased their latest research at an annual event designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Hosted by Peer Fiss, the associate dean for research, this gathering provided tenure-track faculty with a platform to share insights on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the physiological effects of entrepreneurship.

Fiss emphasized the unique nature of the event, stating, “What makes this event special is that it invites discovery beyond your own discipline. Our junior faculty often ask some of the most compelling questions, and engaging with research that is unfamiliar or methodologically different pushes our boundaries and sparks new conversations.”

Innovative Research Highlights

The presentations highlighted significant research efforts that aim to tackle pressing issues in economics and business.

Somya Singhvi, an Assistant Professor of Data Sciences and Operations, focused on how data-driven operations can enhance the welfare of supply chains, particularly in underserved communities. Her research explores mechanisms that could boost productivity and resilience in sectors such as agriculture and artisanal supply chains. “The goal is to generate practically relevant, analytically rigorous insights that can inform public policy, platform design, and firm-level decisions in emerging and developing economies,” Singhvi noted.

Meanwhile, Ricardo De La O, Assistant Professor of Finance and Business Economics, examined the influence of institutional investor demand on asset pricing. His research challenges traditional beliefs by showing how errors in cash flow expectations significantly affect stock market dynamics. “The long-term goal of my agenda is to provide methodological frameworks to study beliefs as a disciplined, portable, and measurable object in asset pricing,” explained De La O.

Another presenter, Quinn Maingi, also from Finance and Business Economics, discussed how geographic distance impacts access to credit. He analyzed the effects of the closure of Silicon Valley Bank, which resulted in deposit outflows from regional banks to those with better lending opportunities. “My research lies at the intersection of spatial economics, industrial organization, and finance,” he stated, highlighting the implications of informational frictions on financial markets.

The Role of AI and Entrepreneurial Stress

Research on artificial intelligence was a key focus, with Bowen Lou, Assistant Professor of Data Sciences and Operations, presenting findings on how AI investment can transform CEO turnover into innovation. Lou argued that AI serves not merely as a technological tool but as an economic force that reshapes organizational strategies. “AI is becoming an economic force that changes how organizations search, coordinate, and innovate,” he emphasized.

In a different vein, Glenn Fox, Assistant Professor of Clinical Entrepreneurship, explored the physiological stress responses experienced by entrepreneurs. His research utilizes neuroscience to measure heart responses during investor interactions, revealing that disengaged investors can lead to heightened stress and decreased performance. “My research integrates modern neuroscience with frameworks from performance psychology and entrepreneurial theory,” Fox explained, outlining plans to further investigate founder stress using brain scans.

Lastly, Daisy Wang, also an Assistant Professor of Finance and Business Economics, investigated the dynamics of corporate venture capital and its effects on startup success and competition. Her research aims to clarify when CVC collaborations foster innovation and when they impede market competition.

The event not only showcased cutting-edge research but also highlighted the collaborative spirit at USC Marshall, encouraging faculty to engage with diverse perspectives that can inform their work. As academic inquiry continues to evolve, the insights presented promise to advance both theoretical understanding and practical applications across various fields.