Inference Economics

Where advisory and frontier research collide.

We live and breathe economics, both as academic researchers and skilled practitioners. Advisory work should benefit from economics scholarship, and sometimes even contribute to it. With Inference economics your initiative can tap into the accumulated knowledge of published research.

Academically sound, professionally oriented

We believe reports shouldn’t sit on shelves – knowledge production should be part of a larger strategy to effect change and unlock value. As economists, we know that our research can have impact along the whole value chain, from data generation to analysis to dissemination.
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As economic advisors, we don’t believe that consultants should hold the lock and key to knowledge. Our aim is to generate organizational economic and statistical capabilities alongside our work.

We live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, Treaty One Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Our Values

There is no cut and paste. We recognize that every organization, situation, and problem is different, and may require methodological innovation. We know when to deviate from orthodox approaches to get the analysis right.
Knowledge is for good. We believe in the power of data and research to lead to smarter decisions that better serve the needs of stakeholders. Our work should benefit the planet, reduce societal inequality, and foster stronger communities.

Questions lead to clarity. We think there is no such thing as a bad question,
especially coming from a non-specialist. We seek to learn from all interactions and communicate clearly so as to make our insights and analysis accessible to all users.
Our business works for society. In the conduct of our business, we seek to
promote diversity and inclusiveness. Inference economics will operate at carbon neutrality or better, offsetting any carbon emissions. We will donate a percentage of our profits to causes related to our work.

Eric Werker

Chief Economist

A.B. Economics, Ph.D Economics

Eric Werker earned his A.B. and Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University. He is a professor at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, a former faculty member of Harvard Business School, and an affiliate or fellow of many academic and policy organizations including the Center for Global Development and the International Growth Centre. Co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and policy reports and more than 40 business case studies, supplements, technical notes, and teaching notes, he has served as peer reviewer for over 60 academic journals and publishers.

Eric believes in the power of economics to bring clarity and direction to complex issues. He aims to bring clear thinking—grounded in theory and informed by data—to help organizations make better decisions that can unlock value and contribute to positive social outcomes. As an economist, Eric has balanced an active research program with advising and consulting to entities across the world, seeking to bring cutting-edge academic insights to practical issues and utilizing his experience as a practitioner to inform scientific research. He has advised the President of Liberia on economic policy and served as a member of the Province of British Columbia’s Emerging Economy Task Force. Also an experienced educator, Eric has taught both business and policy students at Harvard and Simon Fraser universities, as well as executives, policymakers, and Indigenous leaders at Harvard, Oxford, and Simon Fraser universities.

Kiernan Gange

Lead Economist

B.A. (Hons) Economics, M.A. Economics

Kiernan Gange received his Masters of Arts in Economics at the University of British Columbia, where he wrote his final research project on the relationship between economic prosperity and land autonomy in Western First Nations. Prior to UBC, Kiernan attended the University of Winnipeg, where he received the gold medal in the Bachelor of Arts, Economics honours program. Kiernan has experience in community economic development, program evaluation, and data analysis.

Kiernan is interested in the intersection of economic theory and modern technology, specifically around leveraging the latest statistical technologies to achieve organizational goals. Using tools traditionally associated with data science, Kiernan seeks to help organizations create open and easily communicable methods of knowledge sharing. Big-data and small-data both come with their own respective challenges that require a depth of statistical and technical knowledge, and Kiernan is equipped to handle both. Kiernan has taught economics at the University of Winnipeg and has significant experience in both the non-profit sector and government. In his spare time, Kiernan is an avid cyclist and is interested in fostering active and healthy communities.

About Us