Here, you can find a summary of my research projects in progress, developed with the aim of contributing to academic knowledge and advancing social welfare through an economic perspective.

Abstract:

We examine the macroeconomic effects of the energy transition, focusing on the impact of oil prices on GDP, productivity and inflation. We find that energy dependence on fossil fuels increases vulnerability to oil price shocks, negatively affecting Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Using the Solow decomposition and including energy as part of the capital stock, we find two key effects: The Price and Scale Effect, in which higher energy prices increase production costs and reduce TFP; and The Recomposition Effect, in which greater use of domestic renewables boosts TFP by reducing reliance on non-renewable imports. Our findings for Chile between 2001 and 2019 the TFP adjustment for energy factors provides a complementary and enriched view of productivity, especially in periods or contexts with high volatility in energy consumption or prices. Finally, using a New-Keynesian DSGE model calibrated for Chile, we examine the macroeconomic consequences of the energy transition. A counterfactual scenario shows that, without diversification of the energy matrix, the economic impact of higher oil prices would have been more severe, with larger GDP declines, higher inflation, tighter monetary policy, and a steeper fall in TFP, highlighting the benefits of Chile's shift to a more renewable energy matrix.

Abstract:

We examine how beliefs about the causes of poverty influence fiscal spending structures across countries. Using data from the World Value Survey and the IMF, we explore how different perceptions—such as injustice, individualism, bad luck, social progress, and other factors—correlate with fiscal allocations to defense, economic affairs, health, education, and social protection. Our findings reveal that countries where poverty is attributed to systemic injustice allocate more resources to social protection, while those with individualist perspectives prioritize defense spending. Generational differences also emerge, with younger individuals attributing poverty to injustice and older groups favoring individualistic explanations. For Chile, comparative analysis shows that spending priorities align with regional trends in Latin America and Europe, which emphasize social protection. Unexpected correlations, such as a negative relationship between social protection spending and beliefs in bad luck, highlight areas for further investigation.