Time: May 25, 2026, 10:00-11:30

Venue: Guoshun Campus, Room 503, Starr Building

Topic: Ren-Based Economics: A Contribution to China's Independent Knowledge System

Speaker: Professor Ning Yu, Institute for Social and Economic Research, Nanjing Audit University

Moderator: Professor Lingfang Li

Abstract: Can China's independent economics knowledge system be built around the concept of ren (benevolence or humaneness)? This paper first examines specific guideline provisions to clarify what such a system is not, thereby identifying its necessary conditions. It then proposes the vision of Ren-Based Economics: beginning with Confucius' ren-centered thought as a unifying principle, the paper "creatively transforms" its core logic into an axiom of ren-based utility maximization. Through logical deduction and empirical induction guided by practice, it seeks to "innovatively develop", a new knowledge system that can compete with modern economics in the marketplace of ideas while also contributing to the "Second Integration" between Marxism and traditional Chinese culture. Finally, the paper introduces ongoing exploratory work in Ren-Based Economics and responds in part to critiques from different perspectives. Judging from the emerging framework already formed, Ren-Based Economics shows the potential to take root in China while engaging the world, contributing new knowledge with universal relevance to China's independent knowledge system.

Bio: Ning Yu is Professor at the Institute for Social and Economic Research, Nanjing Audit University, recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, and Jiangsu Distinguished Professor. He received a PhD in Management from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a PhD in Economics from Stanford University, and previously served as Assistant Professor at Emory University. His research focuses on game theory, market design, and microeconomic behavior. Papers for which he served as corresponding or key author have appeared in journals including American Economic Review and Review of Economic Studies. His work has received the Sun Yefang Economic Science Award, the First and Second Prize Awards for Humanities and Social Sciences Research in Higher Education Institutions, and the Jiangsu Provincial First Prize for Philosophy and Social Sciences. He has also received the Wu Jiapei Award in Information Economics, the Zhang Peigang Young Scholar Award in Development Economics, the Youth Science and Technology Award of the Operations Research Society of China, and the Second Prize of the Fok Ying Tung Young Scientist Award.