Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts – NOC : 4162

Unit Group

4162 Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts

Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts conduct research, monitor data, analyze information and prepare reports and plans to resolve economic and business problems and develop models to analyze, explain and forecast economic behaviour and patterns. They advise on matters such as finance, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, agricultural and natural resource commodities and labour and industrial markets. They are employed by government departments and agencies and throughout the private sector in associations, unions, research organizations, banks and investment firms.

Example Titles

agricultural economist

economic advisor

economic analyst

economic policy analyst

economist

economist, natural resources

energy economist

financial economist

industrial economist

international trade economist

investment economist

labour economist

tax economist

trade economist

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Main duties

Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts perform some or all of the following duties:

Conduct research and develop models to analyze, explain and forecast economic behaviour and patterns, and devise methods for collection and analysis of data
Forecast production and consumption of specific products and services based on records of past production and consumption and general economic and industry-specific conditions
Prepare forecasts of income and expenditure, interest rates and exchange rates
Analyze factors which determine economic growth and advise government agencies on policies to increase economic activities
Analyze factors which determine labour force participation, employment, wages, unemployment and other labour market outcomes
Study mathematical formulae and statistical techniques and apply them to the testing and quantifying of economic theories and the solution of economic problems
Study the nature of money, credit and the operation of banks and other financial institutions to develop monetary policies and forecasts of financial activity
Monitor economic data to assess the effectiveness, and advise on the appropriateness, of monetary and fiscal policies
Examine problems related to the economic activity of individual companies
Examine financial methods, production costs and techniques and marketing policies to recommend possible improvements
Examine statistical data on the exchange of goods and services among nations
Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption and depletion of non-renewable resources
Conduct research on market conditions in local, regional or national area to set sales and pricing levels for goods and services, to assess market potential and future trends and to develop business strategies
Monitor regional and local economic trends
Study regulatory processes and provide material in support of legal proceedings with government and other parties.

Employment requirements

A master’s degree in economics or in a related discipline such as business administration or statistics is usually required.
A doctorate in economics may be required.

Additional information

Progression to managerial positions in economics is possible with experience.

Classified elsewhere

Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants (4163)
Economists who teach at universities (in 4011 University professors and lecturers )
Financial and investment analysts (1112)
Government managers – economic analysis, policy development and program administration (0412)
Labour policy analysts (in 4164 Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers )