Researchers In L.A. Aim To Mold A New Sustainable Economy
Businesses throughout many industries must depend on economic analysis to forecast bread-and-butter trends. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a demand for economists should be best in private sectors, particularly in management, scientific and professional consulting services. In Los Angeles, top corporate economists earn nearly $190,000 annually, according to current employment data.
It is within the most populous city in California, where goal-oriented researchers remain conscientious in a focused effort to re-fashion L.A.'s fiscal wardrobe.
"We are engaged in shaping a new economy for Los Angeles, one that is economically profitable, ecologically friendly and socially responsible," said Yvonne Yen Liu, a social science researcher at Economic Roundtable. "We provide evidence that raising the minimum wage, for example, will help grow the economy because it will put more money into households' wallets to spend on basic needs."
How will a researcher's role change in coming years?
"Economists predict that by 2022, more than 80 percent of people will be employed in service industries, such as restaurants and health care. We will lose more than a million jobs in the goods-producing sector in the next decade. Social researchers of the future will need to understand how to sustain a service-based economy."
What defines an accomplished researcher?
"In addition to solid skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, a successful applied researcher is also a good communicator. It's not enough to produce rigorous research if no one reads it. Researchers today have to understand their audiences and share work in a manner that is broadly accessible."
How does a researcher maintain a competitive edge?
"A good researcher understands a little bit of everything and always maintains a beginner's mind. So, she acknowledges what she doesn't know and is eager to learn more. You can find wisdom from so many disciplines, from the natural sciences to continental philosophy."
What is your message to endeavoring researchers?
"Our future is filled with uncertainty because of the way our economy has operated for the past 200 years. Rapid movement towards sustainability is essential for people and the planet. We need serious students to help change the world."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
