HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study · IAS gallery ↗. The graph is AI-enhanced for style.
HONG KONG · 2026
Asian SPACE Workshop
Spatial and Political Analysis of the Contemporary Economy
SPACE brings together researchers working on spatial economics and related areas of applied economics, including international trade, urban and regional economics, development, labor, and political economy. The 2026 workshop features research presentations, poster displays and discussions, and a keynote session on AI for economic research.
Supported by
We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Department of Economics and the IAS Center for AI for Scientific Discoveries at HKUST.
Workshop program
All times are Hong Kong time (HKT, UTC+8). The program is tentative and may be updated.
Saturday, November 7
| Time (HKT) | Session / presentation |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Registration |
| 08:50–09:00 | Opening address |
| 09:00–09:40 | DU, Xinming National University of Singapore Grid Lock-In and the Geography of AI |
| 09:40–10:20 | KAMADA, Takuma The University of Osaka Stolen for Export: War-Induced Foreign Demand, Transport Costs, and Vehicle Theft |
| 10:20–10:40 | Coffee break |
| 10:40–11:20 | LI, Leona Shao-Zhi University of Macau More but Not Better: Career Incentives of Local Leaders and Entrepreneurial Dynamics in China |
| 11:20–12:00 | INAGAKI, Kazuma The University of Osaka Born Global, New Exporter Dynamics, and the Aggregate Gains from Trade |
| 12:00–14:00 | Poster Session & Discussion (Begins) Posters remain on display during breaks on both days · Lunch by invitation only |
| 14:00–14:40 | KOMATSU, Toshiaki National Taiwan University Firm Life Cycle, Endogenous Production Networks, and Frictional Labor Market |
| 14:40–15:20 | PENG, Cong Peking University Production Networks and Optimal Road Networks: An Application to Pakistan |
| 15:20–15:40 | Coffee break |
| 15:40–16:20 | ZHU, Xiaodong The University of Hong Kong The Farm Problem |
| 16:20–16:40 | Break |
| 16:40–18:00 | Keynote Session: AI for Economic Research KASAHARA, Hiroyuki University of British Columbia KAWAGUCHI, Kohei The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
| 18:30 | Workshop dinner By invitation only |
Sunday, November 8
| Time (HKT) | Session / presentation |
|---|---|
| 09:00–09:40 | MA, Hong Tsinghua University The Last Mile Matters: How Delivery Infrastructure Shapes Online Trade and Consumption Inequality |
| 09:40–10:20 | KASAHARA, Hiroyuki University of British Columbia The Impact of Electrification on Quality and Productivity: Evidence from Japanese Cotton Spinning |
| 10:20–10:40 | Coffee break |
| 10:40–11:20 | LUO, Sai Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Ethnic Neighborhoods and Assimilation: Evidence from Full Count Historical Census Data |
| 11:20–12:00 | KUMAGAI, Motohiro Australian National University Keeping Pulses on the Soil: Cultivation Practice and the Early Rise of Political Organization |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch, Poster Discussions & General Discussion Posters remain available · Lunch by invitation only |
| 13:30–14:10 | MIYANO, Sayumi The University of Osaka Shadow Representation: Multinational Firms and International Standard-Setting |
| 14:10–14:50 | YANG, Alan Yu Peking University, Guanghua School of Management Geography of Beliefs: Trade Liberalization and Talent Allocation Through College Major Choice |
| 14:50–15:00 | Concluding remarks |
Poster presentations
Poster presentations and discussions begin on Saturday, November 7, during the 12:00–14:00 lunch period. Poster displays remain available for informal discussion during lunch and coffee breaks on both days, in the area next to the workshop venue.
| Presenter | Poster title |
|---|---|
| GAO, Qi Singapore Management University | Bricks or Cash? Externalities of Housing Upgrading in High-Density Cities |
| HU, Die Peking University HSBC Business School | The Spatial Effects of Labor Mobility Restrictions: Evidence from the Shenzhen Wall |
| LI, Shuo Fudan University | Climate Change, Migration and the Design of Inter-City Transportation Networks |
| LIN, Feng The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Sorting, Displacement, and Welfare Gains from Non-Local Firms |
| IKEUCHI, Rio The University of Osaka | Race or Nativity? Asian Immigration and the Boundaries of American Identity |
| SHEN, Xiaochi Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Stormwater Drainage for Climate-Resilient Urban Mobility |
| XIANG, Yi The University of Hong Kong | Agricultural Mechanization Under Migration |
| WANG, Qiuyi Sichuan University | Harder to Sell, Harder to Move Up? Evidence from COVID-19 |
Venue & travel
Seminar Room IAS 4042, 4/F, HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
The venue is located at the south end of the Clear Water Bay campus, close to the on-campus Conference Lodge. Please allow additional time to reach the IAS Building if you arrive at the main academic buildings or the north entrance. Registration starts at 08:30 on Saturday.
Official HKUST/Conference Lodge travel directions ↗
Getting to HKUST
All fares below are approximate in Hong Kong dollars (HK$) unless a published public-transport fare is specified.
Taxi / Uber Taxi drop-off instructions
For taxi or Uber Taxi, ask the driver to take you to the HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study (IAS Building) via the South Gate (南閘), near Conference Lodge.
You can show the following message to your taxi driver:
請載我到香港科技大學賽馬會高等研究院（IAS 大樓），近西貢清水灣道校園南閘，謝謝。
From Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
| Option | How to travel | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Direct taxi (most convenient) | Red taxi from the airport taxi stand directly to the IAS Building; about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. | About HK$350 (budget HK$350–400) Please confirm the payment method with the driver before boarding. See taxi payment tips ↓ |
| Airport Express + taxi | Take the Airport Express to Tsing Yi Station (about 14 minutes), then a taxi to HKUST (approximately 30–40 minutes). | Airport Express HK$73 per adult with Octopus/contactless card, plus taxi roughly HK$220–280; total HK$293–353 for one person |
| Airport bus + local transport (budget option) | Take Citybus A29 to the Nan Fung Plaza / Hang Hau area (approximately 80–100 minutes). Continue by taxi from Hang Hau (about 10 minutes), or walk to Hang Hau Station and take minibus 11M to the HKUST North Entrance, then walk across campus to IAS. Airport → Hang Hau ↗ · Hang Hau → IAS by taxi ↗ · Hang Hau → IAS by transit ↗ | A29 HK$44 + taxi HK$40–60 (total HK$84–104); or + minibus 11M HK$6.50 (total HK$50.50) For minibus 11M, use Octopus or exact cash. Minibus payment details ↓ |
| Airport bus A29 via Diamond Hill | Take Citybus A29 from the airport and get off at Diamond Hill (Lung Cheung Road). For a direct onward connection, take a taxi to the IAS Building; alternatively, walk to Diamond Hill Station bus terminus (Exit C1) and take KMB 91 or 91M to the HKUST South Entrance. Another option is to transfer at Choi Hung to green minibus 11 for HKUST South Entrance. Check weekend bus services. Airport → Diamond Hill ↗ · Diamond Hill → IAS by taxi ↗ · Diamond Hill → IAS by transit ↗ | A29 HK$44 + taxi approximately HK$100–140 (total HK$144–184); or + 91M bus HK$7.10 (total HK$51.10). The minibus 11 full fare is HK$8.80. |
From Hong Kong West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station
Taxi: approximately HK$180 (allow roughly HK$180–220 depending on traffic and route), typically about 35–45 minutes to IAS. Alternatively, take the MTR toward Hang Hau and continue by taxi (approximately HK$40–60) or minibus 11M (HK$6.50, arriving at the North Entrance).
From Hang Hau and Other MTR Stations
From Hang Hau MTR Station, a taxi directly to IAS costs approximately HK$40–60. Green minibus 11M costs HK$6.50 and goes to the HKUST North Entrance, from which you will need to walk across campus. Bus 91M serves the South Entrance; check the current route and weekend timetable. From Choi Hung MTR Station, a taxi costs approximately HK$75–100.
Hang Hau → IAS taxi ↗ · Hang Hau → IAS transit ↗ · Choi Hung → IAS taxi ↗ · Choi Hung → IAS transit ↗
Practical Travel Tips
Accommodation
On campus: Conference Lodge
The Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Conference Lodge ↗ is within a short walk of the IAS Building. It is the most convenient option for participants. Workshop-related room booking enquiries must go through HKUST faculty or staff; participants may contact the local organizer at dyrao@ust.hk for assistance. Reservations are subject to availability.
Conference Lodge → IAS walking directions ↗
Nearby off-campus hotels
We suggest hotels in Tseung Kwan O or Kwun Tong / East Kowloon, and also Sai Kung. Tseung Kwan O is generally the closest off-campus base, and Kwun Tong offers more choice in Kowloon East. Sai Kung is relatively remote: it is on the waterfront, away from the MTR, so a taxi is the practical way to campus. Please book directly with the hotels. Rates and availability vary, particularly on the workshop weekend.
OpenStreetMap of the workshop venue and suggested hotels. Point at a hotel to show a driving route to the IAS Building. The line follows public roads and is not a fare quote.
The Royal Garden Kowloon East
Tseung Kwan O · closest off-campus option
About 10–15 minutes by taxi to IAS; estimated fare HK$60–90.
Nina Hotel Kowloon East
Kwun Tong · near Ngau Tau Kok MTR
About 20–30 minutes by taxi to IAS; estimated fare HK$110–140.
Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Kowloon CBD2
Kwun Tong · near Kwun Tong MTR
In the Kowloon East business district; about 20–35 minutes by taxi to IAS, estimated fare HK$110–150.
Dorsett Kwun Tong
Kwun Tong · Hung To Road
In Kwun Tong, with dining and public transport nearby; about 20–35 minutes by taxi to IAS, estimated fare HK$110–150.
Hotel COZi · Harbour View
Kwun Tong · near Ngau Tau Kok MTR
Near Wai Yip Street; about 20–30 minutes by taxi to IAS, estimated fare HK$110–140.
WM Hotel
Sai Kung · relatively remote
On the Sai Kung waterfront, away from the MTR; about 15–25 minutes by taxi to IAS, estimated fare HK$80–120.
These are suggested hotels, not negotiated workshop rates. Taxi costs are estimates for a one-way journey to the IAS Building; actual fares depend on the meter, route, traffic and applicable charges. Uber is also available for travel between hotels and campus.
Weather in Hong Kong
November is generally mild and relatively dry in Hong Kong. According to NOAA’s Integrated Surface Database, over 2004–2018, the daily high on November 7–8 averaged 27.5°C (s.d. = 2.1°C) and the daily low averaged 22.9°C (s.d. = 2.1°C). Measurable rain was recorded in 2 of 15 years (13%).
See the Hong Kong Observatory’s historical climate normals ↗ and 9-day weather forecast ↗.
Information for participants
- Registration: Complete the workshop registration form ↗. Attendance is subject to capacity and confirmation by the organizers. Registered participants will receive logistical details by email closer to the workshop. Registration may close early if venue capacity is reached.
- Meals: Coffee breaks are on the program. Workshop lunches on both days and Saturday's dinner are covered for all oral and poster presenters. For other attendees, these meals are by invitation only. Nearby dining options include Diners@LSKBB (LSK canteen, our favorite Ma-la-tang place), UniQue (Conference Lodge), and Ebeneezer’s (Middle Eastern).
- Posters: Displays and informal discussion begin on Saturday lunchtime and continue during lunch and coffee breaks on both days. Poster presenters should follow the printing and display instructions sent by the organizers.
- Wi-Fi: Visitors from participating universities can use eduroam; public areas of HKUST also offer Wi-Fi.HK via HKUST. See the HKUST visitor Wi-Fi guide ↗.
- Travel documents: Check whether you need a visa or other entry documentation for Hong Kong well before departure. Registered participants who need an invitation letter should contact the organizers early.
- Time zone: Hong Kong time is UTC+8. All talks take place in person at the Clear Water Bay campus.
Organizing Committee
- HKUST: LIN, Yatang and RAO, Deyu
- Hitotsubashi University: SUZUKI, Yuta and NAKAGAWA, Mariko
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University: LU, Ming and XU, Le
For workshop enquiries: dyrao@ust.hk.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. The program, logistics, and accommodation suggestions are subject to change.
Deyu Rao
Assistant Professor
Deyu Rao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Deyu’s research interests are environmental economics and urban economics.