Policy

Policy briefs and recommendations for government and international organizations.

2024
Recommendations for Increased Financial Literacy in American High Schools

Recommendations for Increased Financial Literacy in American High Schools

Arik KarimSebastian TanSiyang DingHanming SunJake ZengVarun MukundBrian Zhou
SSRN, 2024

This paper reviews gaps in U.S. high-school financial literacy education, including inconsistent curricula, weak measurement standards, and limited long-term retention evidence. It identifies methodological shortcomings in existing assessments and highlights the need for stronger data systems. The recommendations focus on standardized curricula, better incentives and resources, and stronger institutional/government collaboration.

SSRN
2023
Youth Perspectives and Recommendations for the United Nations's High-Level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence

Youth Perspectives and Recommendations for the United Nations's High-Level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence

Brian ZhouArik KarimAkshat AlokAnant KhandelwalRonit KapurOliver HuangHanming SunGia MendoncaSonny Chen
Foundational Papers of the United Nations High-level Advisory Body on AI, 2023

We propose the establishment of a dedicated youth group on AI within global governance frameworks, ensuring youth representation in discussions on data privacy, ethical AI, and the digital divide to foster positive AI solutions.

Policy Proposals for the United Kingdom's National Quantum Strategy

Policy Proposals for the United Kingdom's National Quantum Strategy

Brian ZhouBrayden LeeArik KarimGia MendoncaHanming SunHyunjo KimOliver HuangAileen WuSebastian SaenzAanya BaddelaAnant KhandelwalVarun MukundVivian ZhuEnan Khan
for the United Kingdom's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 2023

This brief calls on the UK to invest in quantum literacy and youth advocacy initiatives alongside robust policy frameworks that bolster national security and international cooperation, securing its leadership in the emerging quantum revolution.

Report on High-Speed Rail: Recommendations for a New Era of American Infrastructure

Report on High-Speed Rail: Recommendations for a New Era of American Infrastructure

Brian ZhouArik KarimVivian ZhuJake ZengAnant KhandelwalSam ChenHanming SunVenkata YenugantiZach Chen
SSRN, 2023

This report examines why U.S. high-speed rail projects continue to stall despite strong economic and environmental upside. It maps key stakeholders, incentive structures, and policy bottlenecks across state and federal levels. The paper proposes concrete government actions to accelerate construction, reduce barriers, and support a viable national HSR network.

SSRN
Report on Minimum Wage: Federal and State Recommendations

Report on Minimum Wage: Federal and State Recommendations

Arik KarimSophia LiEthan WilkesShreyes RamBrian Zhou
SSRN, 2023

This report evaluates federal and state pathways to raise minimum wages amid post-pandemic labor stress and inflation. It analyzes political and economic stakeholders affecting adoption and implementation. The recommendations outline coordinated policy actions to improve wage equity and support upward mobility for low-wage workers.

SSRN
Recommendations to Combat Child Exploitation in Social Media

Recommendations to Combat Child Exploitation in Social Media

Oliver HuangArik KarimBrian ZhouNatalie ZhangAvery KimberlinGrace LeeVarun Mukund
SSRN, 2023

This paper analyzes the growing commercialization of child-centered social media content and associated exploitation risks. It documents how current platform dynamics can incentivize privacy harms and abuse in family-content ecosystems. The report advances policy recommendations to better protect minors online while improving accountability for creators and platforms.

SSRN