The Center for AI in Economic Social and Environmental Research (CAESER), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, formerly known as the The Center for Applied Economic Social and Environmental Research (CAESER) and the Center for Applied Social and Economic Research (CASER), was established in December 2009, with a primary mission to promote quantitative analysis of social and economic issues and their impacts on human welfare in both Hong Kong and mainland China. With the support from the RGC-CPU Strategic Public Policy Research (2009-2014), the Center has conducted the Hong Kong Panel Study of Social Dynamics (HK-PSSD), the first household panel survey in Hong Kong SAR.

Building on its strong foundation in quantitative social science, CAESER integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science into social, economic and environmental research. CAESER adopts a scientific and interdisciplinary approach to analyzing a broad range of issues, including innovation, education, employment, inequality and poverty, migration, health, transportation, environmental sustainability, and subjective wellbeing. Our research leverages machine learning algorithms, large-scale administrative and survey data, and advanced statistical modeling to generate robust, policy-relevant insights.

The Center also utilizes large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques for large-scale text analysis, including policy documents, legislative records, media discourse, and social media data. These tools enhance our ability to measure public sentiment, policy framing, institutional dynamics, and emerging social trends. In addition, our research encompasses AI ethics in economic and social research, with attention to issues such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and responsible data use in the application of artificial intelligence.

Our empirical research combines multidisciplinary perspectives, rigorous methodology, cutting-edge computational tools, and international collaboration to address the most pressing challenges facing Hong Kong, mainland China, and the global community.

Mission

• To monitor trends in social, economic and technological changes and their impact on human welfare
• To provide easy access to customizable trend data in Hong Kong and/or Mainland China
• To support methodologically rigorous innovative research
• To champion ethical, fair, and transparent AI applications in social and public policy research.
• To champion ethical, fair, and transparent AI applications in social and public policy research.
• To leverage AI as analytical tools for large-scale text analysis, predictive modelling, policy evaluation, and social data integration
• To inform and co-design evidence-based policies, in partnership with government and/or NGOs
• To train a young generation of scholars and policy analysts
• To disseminate data, research and policy analysis to the public at large

Prof. Pengyu ZHU
Director of Center for AI in Economic Social and Environmental Research
HKUST