Engineering Marvel: Unveiling the Future of Economics

In a world where economics meets innovation, an undergraduate student has become a beacon of inspiration. Harshim Saluja, a junior in computational data science, recently emerged as one of the five global victors in the prestigious “Forecasting the Future: A Modern Economics Challenge,” orchestrated by Bridgewater Associates alongside Global Citizen.

A Contest of Epic Proportions

The competition was nothing short of a global phenomenon. Drawing over 1,000 submissions from 120 countries, it demanded participants to craft a vision for how “Modern Mercantilism” may sculpt the future of trade, technology, and geopolitics by 2035. At the Global Citizen Festival in New York City’s Central Park, before a worldwide audience, Saluja’s groundbreaking work received accolades from Bridgewater CEO Nir Bar Dea and Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman.

Celebrating Virtually, Winning Globally

Unable to attend in person, Saluja embraced her victory over a Zoom call, where Bridgewater’s representatives hailed her innovative spirit. Winners walked away with $25,000 and the prospect of an internship or employment at Bridgewater, according to Penn State University.

Mastery of Data and Economy

Saluja’s success stemmed from her unique fusion of computational modeling, economic visualization, and a systemic analysis of global trends. Her project forecasted the impacts of artificial intelligence, automation, and evolving trade networks, painting a future where these elements could redefine global commerce.

The Journey Behind the Forecast

Saluja’s journey was a mix of intensive research and creative problem-solving. With no finance background, she immersed herself in the world of stock markets and complex economic terms provided by Bridgewater. Her persistence and ingenuity allowed her to develop 20 comprehensive forecasts, merging macro perspectives with mathematical precision.

Confidence in Clarity

Despite initial trepidation about market terminology, Saluja entrusted her math and analytical prowess to navigate through the challenge. “I knew I had the problem-solving skills to work through it,” she reflected, emphasizing the strength of her technical foundation.

This achievement not only highlights student potential but also inspires others to bridge disciplines, fostering innovation that could reshape our economic landscapes. Harshim Saluja’s triumph is a testament to what the future of economics could hold when intertwined with pioneering data science.