Journal of Applied Economics

Cliometrics (New Economic History)

Cliometrics has attracted a growing interest among economists and historians. It involves applying advanced quantitative models and methods with the aim of obtaining robust empirical evidence in the field of Economic History. In this collection of articles, we therefore seek to showcase research that, drawing on new historical datasets and/or innovative quantitative methodologies – exploring, for example, the behavior of specific variables, causal relationships or counterfactual scenarios – can shed light on episodes of our past.

It is important to emphasize that the digitization of historical archives, new data-analysis techniques, and the development of new applied models and methods create renewed opportunities to revisit historical episodes and reassess established narratives. This Collection therefore presents innovative research in the field of the New Economic History – more robust from an applied perspective – that strengthens the dialogue between historians and economists and enriches contemporary academic debate.

By drawing on new datasets and advanced quantitative methods, cliometrics research enables the testing of hypotheses, the quantification of phenomena, and the identification of causal relationships, thereby providing new evidence about our past – something that is crucial for improving our understanding of the present. Consequently, revisiting the past with applied and robust analytical tools becomes essential, not only for academics but also for policymakers, so that they can make better-informed decisions without compromising the future of current and future generations.

More specifically, this Collection will examine historical episodes related to important macroeconomic topics that remain highly relevant today. We therefore invite authors to submit papers exploring themes such as economic growth, development, inequality, productivity, competitiveness, international trade, globalization, sustainability, the economic functions of government, public finance, and public debt, covering the period from the Early Modern era – that is, from the mid-15th century – up to the present day. The topics under study may focus on a specific country, groups of countries, regions, or even the globe as a whole, with no restrictions regarding geographical scope.

Ricardo Ferraz, PhD, has taught around fifteen courses in the fields of Economics, Management, and History at various institutions: (i) Lisbon School of Economics & Management (ISEG) - University of Lisbon; (ii) ISCSP - University of Lisbon; (iii) Lusófona University; and (iv) Polytechnic University of Coimbra. He is also a researcher at ISEG Research and RCM2+ and currently serves as an Associate Editor of Cogent Economics & Finance (Taylor & Francis Group).

He has authored four books in the field of Economic History, one of which was published by the prestigious British publisher Routledge. Most often as sole author, he has published articles in numerous international academic journals – including the European Review of Economic History, Defence and Peace Economics, Journal of Applied Economics, Journal of Iberian and Latin American Economic History, Cogent Economics & Finance, Investigaciones de Historia Económica, Journal of Economic Structures, Journal of Quantitative Economics, and The Journal of European Economic History – as well as book chapters, working papers, and technical bulletins.

Dr. Ferraz does not have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

For more information about submitting to this Collection, please contact Dr. Molly Cole, at [email protected].

When submitting your manuscript to this Collection, please be sure to select the section "Applied Economics" when prompted.