Forecasting Workshop 2025: Exchange, Insights, and a Look into the Future

To start with: Could you briefly introduce yourselves and tell us a bit about your role in organizing the Forecasting Workshop?

The organizing committee consists of Robert Kunst (IHS), Ulrike Schneider (TU Vienna), Leopold Sögner (IHS) and Martin Wagner (University of Klagenfurt and IHS), with support from the IHS event team. Together, we coordinated the planning, speaker invitations, logistics, and on-site execution to ensure the workshop ran smoothly.

What was the primary aim of the workshop?

The main goal was to foster dialogue and collaboration. We wanted to create a platform where researchers and practitioners could share ideas, compare methods, and discuss practical experiences in the field of economic forecasting. One especially relevant topic was how to work effectively with large datasets – something that’s becoming increasingly important in our day-to-day work.

What do you think sets the Forecasting Workshop apart?

Forecasting has a long tradition and is a central topic at the Institute for Advanced Studies, going back to the seventies. From the beginning, we’ve treated it not as a side topic, but as something central to our research and strategy. Therefore, the workshop is a logical consequence and reflects that focus. It allows us to connect with others working on similar challenges and to stay at the forefront of developments in the field. The strong international interest shows that we’re tackling questions that matter beyond our own institution.

Has the workshop built up a regular following?

Yes, absolutely. Over the years, a real community has formed. Many participants have been with us since the first workshop and are active at related conferences as well. One of the most exciting aspects is the synergy with the Time Series Conference. Both events cover complementary topics and take place in alternating years, which helps maintain momentum and makes our workshop a fixture on many people’s calendars. That kind of continuity is a great sign of quality.

The Forecasting Workshop was held at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna. How did the location and local support contribute to the event?

Holding the workshop at IHS offered an ideal academic setting that fosters open exchange and collaboration. We’re also very thankful for the support of the City of Vienna, which helped make this event possible.

What were some of this year’s highlights?

Without a doubt, the four keynote lectures were a highlight. They were insightful, expertly delivered, and offered fresh perspectives. Another standout was the diverse and international group of participants. That mix led to engaging conversations and opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders. It really enriched the overall experience.

Did the workshop influence how you think about forecasting?

Definitely. Events like this help broaden your view beyond your immediate research focus. It was fascinating to see the variety of approaches being used, from time series models and structural frameworks to machine learning. We also got to explore how these tools perform in real-world applications, and what kind of trends are shaping the future of the field. That’s incredibly valuable for our own work.

What happens next?

Following the workshop, the organizers are editing a special issue of the journal Empirical Economics. Researchers working on forecasting are invited to submit their work for consideration. It’s a great opportunity to share the insights and outcomes of the workshop with the broader academic and professional community.