Anton Pichler - Can We Map the World Economy?

Is it possible to map the entire global economy with all its supply chains? Anton Pichler from the WU Institute of Transport Economics and Logistics says yes. Together with researchers from all over the world, he has launched an initiative to do just that – and make our economy more robust and sustainable in the process.

During crises such as the recent Covid pandemic, it becomes apparent just how interconnected our global economy is and how quickly it can get out of whack. The shortages in medical equipment such as ventilators and oxygen tanks are a clear case in point.

Behind each of these products lies a complex network of supply chains. Numerous companies are involved in the delivery of a medical ventilator to a hospital. This includes manufacturers and wholesalers, but also suppliers of raw materials and packaging, logistics and carrier companies, and other players. In our modern economy, these companies are often spread all over the world. If some of the critical links break down, this can result in a shortage of important medical supplies.

In his research, Anton Pichler from WU Vienna’s Institute for Transport and Logistics Management looks at the interconnectedness of the global economy and its underlying supply chain links. The overall goal of his work is to create a comprehensive map of the global flows of money and goods. Such a world map would give us valuable insights into how the global economy works, and it would help us to make the world economy fairer, more resilient, and more sustainable.

In the latest episode of Meet Our Researchers, Anton Pichler explains how digitalization and big data are opening up completely new methodological approaches for mapping our economy. We met Anton Pichler at his office for an interview, and we asked him how he got involved in a global research initiative that is working to figure out ways of creating such a map.

Anton Pichler on the premises of the Institute of Transport Economics and Logistics in building D1: “I am lucky to be part of a great team where everyone supports each other and where we have a pleasant workplace atmosphere.”