Frauke Schleer-van Gellecom

Modeling Non-linearities in Economics - Methodological Aspects and Empirical Applications -

Titel: Modeling Non-linearities in Economics - Methodological Aspects and Empirical Applications -

Abstract: Using a proper model type and estimation strategy is indispensable in order to interpret economic processes adequately. Modeling non-linear economic relationships---instead of employing linear model-types---has currently become highly relevant due to regime-specific destabilizing effects highlighted in the macro-finance literature. This dissertation considers methodological issues and empirical applications in the field of non-linear economic modeling. In such models, model selection and estimation is often complex and should be tackled by means of adequate techniques. I have shown that it is worthwhile to consider heuristic optimization methods to solve these kinds of optimization problems.