Program Overview

Approved in 2011, Theoretical Economics offers four research directions: Population, Resources and Environment Economics, Political Economy, Western Economics, and World Economics. The program has formed distinctive research directions in fields such as ecological civilization and sustainable development, high-quality development of revolutionary old areas and the economic history of the Soviet Area, and inland two-way opening-up and economic security. It aims to cultivate high-level research-oriented economics talents with a solid foundation in economic theories and strong research and analytical capabilities.

Strengths and Features

The program has formed distinctive characteristics of "green leadership, red foundation, and golden empowerment" in its long-term development:

1.Population, Resources and Environment Economics: It has established strengths in river-basin ecological economic theories and the practical implementation of the "Two Mountains" concept (lucid waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets). Special reports in this area have received positive directives from state leaders. The program has secured 4 major and key projects of the National Social Science Fund, along with over 30 projects including key research and development plans.

2.Political Economy: Research in this area focuses on high-quality development of old revolutionary base areas, poverty governance, and people's well-being. It has received key support from the Ministry of Education, major projects from the Ministry of Science and Technology, major projects of the National Social Science Fund, and major projects of the National Development and Reform Commission. Four papers have been published in top-tier journals such as Economic Research Journal and Management World.

3.Western Economics: This field excels in areas, such as optimal monetary policy, capital market reform, and financial cycles. Three papers have been published in Management Science, and it has undertaken more than 10 national-level projects such as major projects of the Ministry of Education's Key Research Bases. Additionally, it has published over 10 ESI highly cited papers.

4.World Economics: Strengths lie in international energy economics and economic and trade cooperation among countries along the "Belt and Road". More than 60 papers have been published in journals such as World Economy.