This $215,000 Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Social and Economic Science supports a collaborative research effort focused on the economics of port infrastructure and its role in international trade. The project aims to provide insights into the returns on transportation infrastructure investments, the drivers of port performance, and the factors contributing to supply chain disruptions.
The researchers are constructing a unique global database on ports that combines satellite vessel data, port pricing information, and other datasets to enable modeling of port technology and the demand for port services. This research will help quantify the welfare gains from infrastructure investments and inform policy decisions on optimal port locations, investment priorities, and the coordination of infrastructure funding. The results are expected to shed light on how ports operate and contribute to supply chain resilience, particularly in the face of disruptive events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This award aligns with the NSF's Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences program (CFDA 47.075) to advance scientific understanding and support the nation's welfare.