The NeX (Nucleo of Economics and Complexity) is a multi-institutional research group on complexity economics based in Curitiba, Brazil. The group is formed by scholars and faculty members from different universities. Its headquarters is at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) economics department.
The Nex applies methods such agent-based computer simulation and network analysis to model, in a more realistic way, the behaviour of agents such as consumers, firms and institutions in order to better understand how economic systems evolve dynamically over time. The main goal of these methods is to study how interactions within complex systems lead to macro and micro behavioral patterns. Some of the applications of these techniques include the study of economic growth, innovation, structural change, income inequality, unemployment and financial stability.
The group is the result of a collective effort to develop the area of complexity economics. In 2010, the Federal University of Paraná organized an international seminar denominated Advances in Economic Dynamics and Development. In 2013, the UFPR-PPGDE organized a second meeting called Advances in Economic Dynamics and Development: Economics and Complexity. After this second meeting, some of the participants expressed the desire to create a research group on economics and complexity in order to foster the development of this new research field.
In 2014, a course on Economics and Complexity was introduced by Professor Dr. João Basilio Pereima in the master’s and Doctoral programs in Economic Development at the Federal University of Paraná.
In 2016, the journal Structural Change and Economics Dynamics published a special issue named Economic Development and Complexity edited by Dr. Mario Cimoli, Dr. José Gabriel Porcile Meirelles and Dr. João Basilio Pereima. Since then, the group has expanded with new researchers joining every year.