Presenter: Professor Liang Pinghan (School of Government, Sun Yat-sen University)
Host: Xie Mingjia, Assistant Professor (Li Anmin Institute of Economics, Liaoning University)
Guest Introduction: Xiao Shukang, Assistant Professor (Li Anmin Institute of Economics, Liaoning University)
Date: June 6, 2025 (Friday) 10:00 - 11:30 (Beijing Time)
Location: Conference Room on the First Floor of Wuzhouyuan, Chongshan Campus, Liaoning University
Online address: Tencent Meeting 846-7809-5157
Language: Chinese/English
Abstract:
This paper explores the role of scientific fictions (Sci-Fi) in fostering curiosity and creativity, which are key to technological advancement. We exploit the short-term prosperity of Sci-Fi in China in early 1980s. Our cohort DID design leverages the variation in locality and time of the circulation of Sci-Fi magazines. We show that for the individuals who exposed to Sci-Fi between age 12 and 22, the probability to become professional technicians are significantly higher, and their job task is more research-oriented. We provide evidence that the exposure to Sci-Fi magazines increases openness, encourages tolerance to differences, reduces religiosity, and raises risk preferences. Our findings highlight how individual exposure to new ideas in impressionable ages could have long-term impact on occupational choice and human capital formation.
Speaker Profile:
Liang Pinghan is a professor at the School of Government and Public Affairs, Sun Yat-sen University, and a doctoral supervisor. He is a council member of the Chinese Society of Quantitative Economics and the Chinese Society for Operations Research - Game Theory Branch. He also serves as the executive deputy editor of the Journal of Industrial Economics Review. His research interests include government governance, behavioral and experimental economics, and the social impact of digital technology. He has published numerous papers in journals such as Economic Journal, Games and Economic Behavior, World Development, Economic Development and Cultural Change, Journal of Comparative Economics, Journal of Regional Science, Economic Research Journal, and Management World. He has led several projects, including a key project of the National Social Science Foundation, a general project of the National Natural Science Foundation (with an excellent evaluation upon completion), and a youth project of the National Natural Science Foundation (with an excellent evaluation upon completion). He has received honors such as the Outstanding Young Teacher Award from the Ho Ying-deng Foundation and the Ministry of Education's Outstanding Achievement Award in Philosophy and Social Sciences. He is a member of the writing group for the "101 Plan" in Economics of the Ministry of Education and has given academic reports on "Yi Xi" (a platform for sharing knowledge).
