Network theory has developed several models of learning and strategic behavior that are relevant across settings ranging from informal communication in Indian villages, to online social platforms, to firms interacting in markets.

In this lunchtime seminar, Ben Golub of Northwestern University talked about some of the central models in this literature and discuss recent theoretical work on how to target interventions in order to shape outcomes in these settings. A recurring theme is the construction of theoretically meaningful summary statistics and the interplay of network theory with survey design and statistical methods.