Hello, welcome to my corner of the internet!
Soumita Roy
Economist · Data Scientist · PhD Researcher
ETH Zürich · KOF Swiss Economic Institute
I'm a doctoral researcher at ETH Zürich studying how innovation, digitalisation, and networks shape economic systems. I work with large datasets, NLP, machine learning, econometric and causal inference methods to explore how ideas spread and how technology transforms firms and markets. I'm curious about the circular economy, network effects, and questions that connect data-driven research with real-world impact.
Research
Working papers and publications will appear here as my PhD progresses.
Research Interests
Publications
Report: Moving Fast with Frontier Technologies, January 2023, Industrial Analytics Platform (UNIDO), with Henrique Pinto Coelho, Fabianna Bacil, and Clovis Freire. Read →
Conference Paper: Global Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation for Development, November 2023, UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, Inter-sessional Panel 2023–2024, prepared by UNCTAD Secretariat. Read →
Projects
A few highlights — research, applied work, and everything in between.
Innovation Landscape of the Luzern Region
Mapped the innovation ecosystem of the K5 region using patent data, bibliometric analysis, RCA/RTA indicators, and firm-level datasets to identify sectoral strengths and policy levers.
PaxInsight: Real-Time Passenger Satisfaction Intelligence
Worked on survey design, data analysis, and market research at IATA's Survey Solutions unit, contributing to global aviation industry insights.
The Impact of Chinese Development Finance on FDI and Forest Cover
Analysed the causal impact of Chinese development finance on investment and environment using IV, panel regression, and case studies across Asian economies.
Moving Fast with Frontier Technologies
Co-authored a report on frontier technologies and their adoption in developing economies, published on the UNIDO Industrial Analytics Platform.
Curriculum Vitae
My academic and professional journey so far.
Doctor of Sciences (Dr. sc.) in Economics
PhD in Economics within the Division of Innovation Economics at D-MTEC.
- Researching innovation, digitalisation, and economic networks
- Using econometrics, NLP, and machine learning on large-scale datasets
Master in International Economics
Master's in International Economics with a specialisation in International Trade and Advanced Econometrics. Graduated with a GPA of 5.52/6 and was awarded the Hans Wilsdorf Scholarship.
- Coursework included international trade, econometrics, development economics, industrial organisation, and sustainable finance
- Master's thesis examined the impact of Chinese development finance on FDI and forest cover in Asia
Master of Arts in Economics
Completed a Master's in Economics with a GPA of 9.81/10, with training in trade, development, and applied econometrics.
- Relevant coursework included international trade, trade and development, and econometric modelling with Stata
- Built a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and policy-oriented economic research
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Undergraduate degree in Economics, completed with a GPA of 9.49/10.
- Final year project explored the determinants of ease of living in Kolkata, India
Scientific Researcher
Scientific researcher at KOF, working on questions in innovation economics, digital transformation, and networks.
- Combining econometric and computational methods in research
- Working with large-scale firm, patent, and research datasets
Market Researcher, Survey Solutions
Worked on survey design, market research, and client-facing analytics projects within IATA's Survey Solutions team.
- Designed and implemented online surveys for targeted market analysis
- Used R and Excel for data cleaning, processing, and quantitative analysis
- Built Power BI dashboards and prepared presentations for aviation industry clients
- Managed project execution and timelines for major clients
Program Analyst
Supported monitoring, evaluation, and partner assessment work across a portfolio of nonprofit organisations.
- Conducted M&E for 22 partner organisations in collaboration with program officers
- Used R and Tableau to analyse data and create visualisations for program evaluation
- Prepared due diligence reports using logframes, Theory of Change, and partner trackers
- Reviewed financial health and long-term sustainability across programmes in 40 countries
Research Intern, STI Policy Division
Worked on research and policy analysis related to science, technology, and innovation in developing countries.
- Conducted research on frontier technologies through case studies and knowledge papers
- Evaluated innovation policies using economic research methods and statistical analysis
- Contributed to two analytical policy papers prepared with the team
Beyond Research
"All work and no play..." — here's what keeps me going outside the office.
I have too many interests and too little time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I cook, I dance, I play sports, I travel to eat, and I can plan an entire trip around an adrenaline rush. Some of these have been with me since childhood in Kolkata; others I picked up along the way in Geneva and Zürich. All of them keep me sane.
Below are some of my long-standing interests; click to explore each one.
Get in Touch
Whether about research, collaborations, or just a chat over coffee.
Feel free to reach out. I'm happy to hear from people about research, collaborations, industry opportunities, or just about anything. Book recommendations and hiking trail suggestions are also welcome.
ETH Zürich, D-MTEC
Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zürich