Deivy Houeix: A Rising Star in Economics
Deivy Houeix, currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has carved a niche for himself in the field of development economics. His work, which spans various aspects of economic growth, digital technologies, and the challenges faced by low-income economies, has already begun making waves in academia. His research has significant implications for the future of economic policies in developing countries, particularly in West Africa.
Educational Background
Early Education and Achievements
Deivy Houeix’s academic journey began in France, where he attended some of the most renowned institutions. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, graduating summa cum laude and securing the top spot in his class. This early success laid the foundation for his future academic endeavors.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Houeix pursued a Master’s in Economics at École Polytechnique and ENSAE Paris. Both programs are highly regarded for their rigorous curriculum, and he graduated with the same level of excellence, ranking first in his class. His master’s thesis, titled Youth Employment Program and Behavioral Change: The Peer Influence Channel, was supervised by Professor Bruno Crépon and was a critical reflection on the ways peer influence impacts youth employment programs. This early interest in development economics would go on to influence much of his later work.
PhD at MIT
Currently, Houeix is in the midst of his PhD studies at MIT, where he focuses on development economics with a specific interest in how digital technologies influence economic relationships in low-income countries. His research is not only academically rigorous but also has practical applications in policymaking, particularly in developing economies. His dissertation, which is currently in progress, explores how firms in lower-income countries adopt digital technologies and how these innovations reshape economic dynamics.
His work is already being recognized by top-tier institutions, and he has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the best minds in the field, including professors at both MIT and Stanford.
Career and Research
Research Manager at Stanford
Before embarking on his PhD journey at MIT, Houeix served as a Research Manager at Stanford University. There, he worked under the guidance of Professors Pascaline Dupas and Marcel Fafchamps at the Stanford Economic Development Research Initiative (SEDRI). His role involved extensive fieldwork, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia, where he worked on multiple research projects related to urban development in Africa. His contribution to the report Urban Development in Africa: Preliminary Report on the Addis Ababa SEDRI Study is a testament to his commitment to addressing urban issues in African economies.
Work at the World Bank
Houeix also worked as a Research Assistant at the World Bank, where he contributed to the development of flagship reports, including one on asylum seekers in the European Union. This research helped shape policies on migration and integration, further expanding Houeix’s expertise in international development economics.
Current Research Focus
At MIT, Houeix is focusing on the impact of digital technologies on firm behavior and economic relationships in developing countries. His research touches on various areas, including:
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Digital Payment Systems in Senegal: One of his projects investigates the effect of digital payment adoption in the Senegalese taxi industry. The study highlights how digital tools can enhance monitoring and reduce operational costs, yet they also deter the poorest drivers from adopting these systems due to concerns over transparency.
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Supply Chain Frictions in Senegal: In collaboration with Edward Wiles, Houeix explored how digital tools can reduce search and trust frictions in small businesses, improving their access to foreign markets.
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Digital Taxation in Côte d’Ivoire: Another significant project looks at the impact of digitalization on tax collection in Côte d’Ivoire. By implementing a nationwide digital tax system, the study investigates how this technology can streamline tax collection and improve public service delivery.
These projects reflect Houeix’s ability to blend theoretical research with real-world applications, making his work highly relevant to policymakers and development experts.
Future Plans and Academic Career
Transition to Columbia Business School
Upon completing his PhD, Houeix will take on a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor in the Economics Division at Columbia Business School. This is a significant step in his career, as it will allow him to expand his research agenda and mentor future economists.
In addition to his role at Columbia, Houeix will be a Prize Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for History and Economics and at J-PAL at MIT. These affiliations will provide him with opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers in the field of development economics.
Contributions to Development Economics
Deivy Houeix’s work is poised to make substantial contributions to the field of development economics. His ability to apply cutting-edge research methods to real-world problems, particularly in Africa, positions him as a leader in the field. His research on digital technology adoption and its effects on business behavior in developing countries is not only timely but also has the potential to guide economic policies in emerging economies.
His ongoing research projects highlight the importance of addressing barriers to technology adoption and exploring the broader socio-economic impacts of digital tools. By focusing on the challenges faced by small firms in Africa, Houeix aims to provide actionable insights that can foster more inclusive economic growth.
Recognition and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Houeix has collaborated with several prestigious organizations, including Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), the Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries (PEDL), and the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). His research has been supported by prominent institutions such as J-PAL and the Shultz Fund. These affiliations not only reflect the quality and impact of his work but also provide him with the resources and platform to further his academic and professional goals.
Conclusion
Deivy Houeix’s remarkable academic journey and innovative research position him as a rising star in the field of economics. His work, which bridges the gap between academic research and real-world economic challenges, is already influencing economic policies in developing countries. As he transitions into his role at Columbia Business School, his contributions to the field of development economics will likely continue to shape the way we think about economic growth, technology, and inequality in the global South.
