Building on the great success of the first edition of the ECD Talks, this year’s edition will take a close look at the hidden side of our democracy. We will explore the data-driven strategies that shape political decisions behind the scenes, discussing topics like data manipulation, disinformation, and the ethical dilemmas at the crossroads of privacy and political power.
In an age where data is power, understanding its role in politics has never been more important. Behind the visible side of elections lies a world where algorithms, data analysis, and targeted strategies influence outcomes in ways most voters are unaware of. The trade-off between data accuracy and privacy raises ethical questions, while the manipulation of such data and information can quietly shape the future of our democracy.
We are excited to be joined by experts at the intersection of econometrics and politics. With their knowledge and - experience, they will provide valuable insights into how data shapes political strategies, election outcomes, and public policy. Eager to share their thoughts, these experts offer a unique opportunity for in-depth discussions on these highly relevant topics.
Throughout the panel discussion, you will have opportunities to actively engage in the conversation - whether by asking questions or sharing your own thoughts. All remaining questions can be asked during the Q&A at the end of the discussion.
The ECD Talks will conclude with a drink at Erasmus Paviljoen, open to all attendees. There will be a LinkedIn photographer to take a formal LinkedIn picture and there will be free drinks to celebrate the start of the 12th edition of the ECD. The language of the ECD Talks will be English and the event is open to students of all studies and study phases.
The speakers
Wouter van Atteveldt
Wouter van Atteveldt is an interdisciplinary scientist specializing in artificial intelligence and communication science. He holds an M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh and a
Wouter’s main research agenda revolves around creating and applying the computational methods needed to study media effects in a fragmented digital media environment. As news consumption becomes increasingly diverse, spanning both traditional and social media sources, the need for better tools to measure individual media diets is critical. Wouter’s pioneering work in data donation, where fully informed and consenting participants provide anonymized versions of their social, mobile, and digital news browsing histories, contributes directly to this area by improving how media consumption and its effects are studied.
Philip Hans Franses
Philip Hans Franses is Professor of Applied Econometrics at the Econometric Institute, Erasmus School of Economics. Kn
Franses served as the director of the Econometric Institute at Erasmus University from 2004 to 2006. His work has helped shape the institute’s research directions, particularly its applications in business, which is aligned with Erasmus University’s broader focus on quantitative economic and management science research.
Frank van Dalen
Frank van Dalen is an experienced expert at the intersection of econometrics, politics, and data analytics, and a prominent investor in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and AI companies. With a career spanning political consulting and business innovation, Frank specializes in leveraging data-driven insights to optimize election strategies, predict outcomes, and refine political messaging. His work in political microtargeting and econometrics focuses on the responsible use of data to shape democratic processes while navigating ethical concerns around privacy and data manipulation.
As an investor, Frank's interest in emerging technologies like blockchain and AI aligns with his belief in their transformative potential, both for political strategy and society. He also brings a strong commitment to human rights, advocating for civil liberties and digital rights globally.
At the ECD Talks: "Decoding Democracy: How Data Shapes Political Outcomes", Frank will offer insights into how econometrics can be applied in elections, the risks of data misuse, and the balance between data accuracy and privacy rights. His combined experience in data science, ethical governance, and technology investments makes him a key voice in exploring the future of data in politics.
Mauk Bresser
How to sign up as non-FAECTOR member:
You need to first create an account for the ECD website. This can be done here. Once you have obtained an account, you can select one ticket for the ECD Talks here, and agree to the terms of conditions. Then you will get an email with the ticket!