The Deep Learning and Causal AI for Estimation Symposium, organized by Fundación Ramón Areces and IESE Business School, is a Summer Symposium designed for faculty and postdoc researchers in the fields of accounting, economics, finance, and management. This edition includes an exploration of how deep learning and causal AI are transforming issues across disciplines. It highlights the limitations of traditional predictive AI based on correlations and underscores the value of causal approaches for more robust and transparent decision-making. The seminar also examines the growing relevance of causal AI in areas where evidence-based insights are essential. Finally, it discusses how recent advances in deep learning enable the solution of high-dimensional structural models.

The Symposium brings together leading academics and industry experts to equip participants with cutting-edge theoretical and methodological insights. It also provides a platform for meaningful discussions and professional networking that extends beyond the event.

Seminar Structure – Core Themes:

• Foundations and Advances in AI for Modern Research

Overview of the latest AI capabilities—including LLMs and reinforcement learning—that are reshaping empirical research by enabling richer prediction, more flexible modeling, and the handling of complex problems previously out of reach.

• Causal AI for Rigorous, Interpretable, and Impactful Analysis

Introduction to causal AI as a necessary step beyond correlation-based methods, focusing on identifying cause–effect relationships, evaluating counterfactuals, and improving transparency in research and decision-making.

• AI-Driven Breakthroughs in Solving Structural Models

Discussion of how deep learning techniques now make it possible to solve high-dimensional structural models, overcoming traditional computational limits and expanding the scope of quantitative analysis in multiple fields.

• Industry Applications of Advanced AI Techniques

Presentation of how companies are applying advanced AI methods in real-world settings, illustrating the practical challenges and strategic value of deploying AI solutions.

This Symposium forms part of IESE’s Center for International Finance (CIF), which advocates a multidisciplinary approach to generate and disseminate knowledge and promotes best practices in financial institutions and capital markets.