Geoffrey J.D. Hewings

Hewings major research efforts are directed toward modeling of urban, regional and inter-regional economic systems. Much of this work is based on a set of econometric-input-output models that have been developed for several metropolitan areas and states in the US as well as several regions in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Japan. These models have been integrated with a transportation network model (in collaboration with Professor T. John Kim) to address issues of measurement of earthquake impacts in the US. In collaboration with Professor Kieran Donaghy, the Chicago model is being integrated with a set of pollution generating models to form the basis of a decision-support tool to address redevelopment options for the Calumet region, an old industrialized corridor, in Chicago. In Brazil, the model system has been linked with water and energy allocation modules to optimize allocation under conditions of scarcity. Theoretical work remains directed to issues of economic structure and structural change interpreted through input-output, social accounting and general equilibrium models.

Much of this work is carried out in the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL), of which Hewings was the founding  director until 2016. REAL also prepares the Crain’s Chicago Index, a monthly forecasting index for the metropolitan economy that appears in Crain’s Chicago Business. Over the past decade, REAL has conducted a number of impact studies on Chicago, Illinois, and Midwestern economies. For example, the Monet Exhibition, the Democratic National Convention, high speed rail, international tourism, and the role of exports on occupational demands.

Students working in REAL are expected to have or to acquire a strong background in econometric methods (especially spatial econometrics), statistics and time series analysis as well as regional science methods and transportation systems analysis. A weekly seminar series provides an opportunity for students to present the findings of research as well as research presented by visiting and resident faculty. Considerable effort is directed to assisting students in professional preparation for public engagement, teaching, contract research, and presentations at professional meetings. REAL alumni are currently working for the World Bank, InterAmerican Development Bank, federal and state government agencies, and in universities in several countries.