The proposed research project explores the use of advanced satellite data to analyze territorial sustainability, focusing in particular on the monitoring of infrastructures and their environmental and socio-economic impact. The main objective is to develop innovative and integrative methodologies that use Earth observation (EO) technologies to provide solutions and guidelines to land management problems. The project will therefore contribute to the valorisation of investments in the space sector with particular reference to the field of remote sensing applied to territorial development policies and to a more effective and sustainable management of natural resources and infrastructures. The ultimate objective of the project is to be able to develop a replicable model that can be adopted in other regions and contexts for similar studies of territorial sustainability. The candidate will be encouraged to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach and use a wide range of empirical techniques (discrete choice models, spatial econometrics, big data and machine learning techniques, agent-based, experimental methods).

Candidates should preferably have an academic background in economics and data analysis, analytical capabilities, the ability to handle and analyze large datasets and perform quantitative research in econometrics and social sciences. Fluency in English is recommended.

The research team is led by Professor Angela Stefania Bergantino, full professor of Applied Economics and Transport Economics at the University of Bari. The research team is also composed by prof. Andrea Morone, Stefano Galavotti, Gabriele Tedeschi, Mario Intini, Ada Spiru, Alessandro Buongiorno and Giulio Fusco (specialized in sharing mobility, transport economics, economics of public choices, experimental economics, environmental economics, econometric modelling, regulation, tourism) and several post-doc and PhD students in economics.