GTAP University (GTAP-U): 2025 Short Course in Dynamic Global Trade Analysis

Course Content

Background and Objectives
The objective of this course is to introduce participants to dynamic economic analysis in an applied general equilibrium setting. This course is designed to provide participants with ample hands-on training with software that has been tailored for undertaking analysis using a dynamic recursive model. Participants will interact with economists working on global trade and environmental issues using a dynamic framework. The end goal of the course is for participants to leave with the capability of conducting and analyzing their own dynamic simulations.

Features of the GTAP-Recursive Dynamics (GTAP-RD) model include:

• Recursive dynamics based on the GTAP Model (v7), a multi-region, multi-sector general equilibrium model, including parameters by region and the flexibility of using the make matrix that allows for activities to produce one or more commodities.
• "Twist" preference parameters to capture domestic-imported bundle shifts and capital-labor changes over time.
• GTAP-Energy (GTAP-E) and GTAP-Power (GTAP_EP) models, based on version 7, have also been extended for recursive dynamic analysis and are also available during the course for replication and extension work.

Course participants will learn to develop a business-as-usual scenario using information from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, which has been annualized and integrated with GTAP distributions for ease of use.

Structure
The GTAP Dynamic Short Course is comprised of an online instruction phase followed by an intensive onsite course delivered by a team of GTAP specialists in data, model construction, and policy analysis. Note that the online and onsite phases of the course are not offered independently.

• Phase 1: Asynchronous Online Learning
  Participants should expect to spend approximately 3 hours/week during the online portion of the course.
  • Module 1 - "Getting Started"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • know when to consider using dynamic analysis
      • be familiar to the naming convention of the GTAP Model
      • be aware of the changes introduced in the standard GTAP Model, version 7 (GTAPv7)
      • review the use of different software tools to analyze simulation results
    • Topics Covered:
      • Course Motivation
      • Standard GTAP Model, v7
      • GTAP Data Base
      • GTAP v7 Model Coefficient Naming Conventions
      • Tariff Experiments
      • GTAPAgg
  • Module 2 - "Overview of GTAP Models and Simulation"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • know about the GTAP-RD models
      • understand how these models have been made dynamic
      • be able to run a comparative statics simulation from the command line
      • be able to do an Altertax simulation
    • Topics Covered:
      • Overview of the GTAP-RD and GTAP-E-RD Models
      • AlterTax Tool for Adjusting Tax Rates in the GTAP Data Base
      • Running the AlterTax Simulation from the Command-Prompt
      • Using AlterTax from the command-prompt to revise initial taxes
  • Module 3 - "Overview of RunDynam and Baseline Scenarios (1)"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • learn how to use RunDynam
      • understand macroeconomic drivers and final demand considerations for a baseline
    • Topics Covered:
      • Overview of Course Software
      • Baselines for Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Models (Part 1)
      • Exploring the model tab file
  • Module 4 - "GTAP & Baseline Aggregation Utility"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • know how to perform and aggregation with this aggregation utility
      • know what projections are available to you
      • know how to upload a different aggregation into RunDynam
      • recognize what more you may need and how to process them
    • Topics Covered:
      • GTAP-RD Data and Baseline Aggregator
      • Baseline Implementation
      • Uploading your data and baseline
  • Module 5 - "Baseline Scenarios (2)"
    • Module Objectives - Upon completion of this module students will:
      • learn the importance of structural changes for baseline development
      • the relevance of linking with other models for their baselines
      • know about interactions of energy and emissions trend in the context of CGE
      • consider the trade balance assumptions
    • Topics Covered:
      • Baselines for Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Models (Part 2)
      • Base rerun and policy scenarios
  • Module 6 - "Phase 1 Wrap-up Week"
    • Module Objectives - During the final week of phase 1, participants will have a chance to catch up on any incomplete coursework and pose any remaining questions pertaining to the material covered before moving onto the next phase of the course.
• Phase 2: Onsite Residency - The onsite phase of the course consists of a mix of daily lectures, lab assignments, and informal discussions designed to introduce participants to the basic features of the model and database. Participants will undertake formal lecture and lab assignments in the mornings and spend the afternoons working in groups to build their own economic applications, which includes working with data to develop a baseline and policy experiments. The groups will present the results of their applications on the final day.
  • Lecture Content
    • GTAP-RD Models
    • Elements of a Baseline
    • Information Sources for Scenario Development
    • Closure Rules
    • Discussion of Limitations
  • Laboratory Content
    • Setting up an Application
    • Building a Baseline Scenario
    • Setting up the Policy Scenarios
    • Examining the Results of the Policy Shock
  • Capstone Project: Model Extensions for Replication and Extension
    • Trade
    • Energy
    • Land Use

Application

Prerequisites
It is expected that applicants have undertaken courses on multi-region general equilibrium analysis (such as the standard GTAP Short Course) or have completed a significant piece of analysis using a dynamic multi-region GE model or another, comparable general equilibrium model. Evidence of the latter (e.g., citations or links to papers, reports, and/or presentations) should be included with application.

Application
Individuals interested in taking this course must apply on the GTAP website. All applications will be reviewed following the deadline. Those accepted into the course will receive an email including an invitation letter and details for registration and payment. Note that application does not guarantee acceptance.

Registration Rates
The registration fees (in USD) for this course are detailed below and include all materials required during the course. The fees also cover daily coffee breaks, lunches, one reception, and one dinner during the onsite phase. The fees do not include a license to the current version of the GTAP Data Base, which is not required for the course. Participants wishing to purchase this must do so separately.

Cancellations
All cancellations must be emailed to Ginger Batta. Registered participants who are unable to participate will receive a 50% refund until December 29, 2024. No refunds will be made after this date. Deferments to later courses are not allowed.

System Requirements

Participants are required to provide their own computer for all phases of the course. Computers must meet the following minimum specifications. All software and files needed for the course not listed below will be provided.

Computer Requirements

• Windows 7 or later
  • Macs can be used, but users must either be able to dual boot to Windows or install/access Windows through a virtual machine. Note that technical support for Macs will not be provided.
• 32-bit or higher
• i5 or higher processor
• 500MB free hard drive space
• 1GB RAM
• Administrator access (or ability to have course software installed)

Other Requirements

• Reliable internet connection (broadband recommended)
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Reader or Acrobat
• Zip utility program

Note on YouTube
During this course, some online materials are hosted on YouTube; therefore, participants must have the ability to access YouTube in order to view these videos. If a participant is unable to access YouTube, they must have access to a VPN or remote computer as video source files will not be provided.

Travel Requirements

Vaccination Requirements
All travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. For requirements specific to the United States, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Invitation Letters
Invitation letters will be emailed to those selected to enroll in the course at the time of acceptance. Physical invitation letters will not be provided.

Visas
Those selected to enroll who require a visa to enter the United States should review the U.S. Department of State's website for details on applying for and obtaining the appropriate visa immediately after being notified of their acceptance. Those who plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa as a temporary visitor, can review visa appointment wait times online.

Lodging

Participants are responsible for securing and paying for their own lodging. Reservation blocks have been secured at the following hotels. There are other West Lafayette/Lafayette area hotels where participants may choose to stay; however, availability is not guaranteed.

Transportation and Directions

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana which is approximately 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Indianapolis, Indiana and 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Chicago, Illinois.

• Via Indianapolis - Those wishing to fly into the Indianapolis International Airport can rent a car and drive and to West Lafayette or take the Lafayette Limo, Reindeer, or Go Express Travel shuttle services.
• Via Chicago - Those wishing to fly into the Chicago O'Hare International Airport can rent a car and drive to West Lafayette or take the Lafayette Limo, or Reindeer shuttle services.
• Campus Parking - Please visit Purdue University’s Visitor Parking site for details.

*Reservations should be made in advance for all airport shuttles. Be advised that airport shuttles may not drop off or pick up directly from your hotel. Please be sure to look into these details when selecting a service.

Contact Information

Ginger Batta (gbatta@purdue.edu)
Lead Program Manager
Center for Global Trade Analysis
Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
403 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2056 USA