Davud Rostam-Afshar

Professor Davud Rostam-Afshar is a Professor (W2) at the University of Mannheim Business School, where he serves as academic director of the German Business Panel. Previously, he held positions at the University of Hohenheim, Free University of Berlin, and University of Potsdam, with research stays at UC Berkeley and Harvard University. He also serves as a consultant to the European Commission and the OECD.

Education:

• PhD (summa cum laude) in Economics, Free University of Berlin (2010-2015), Supervisors: Viktor Steiner (FU Berlin), Richard Blundell (UCL)
• Diploma (M.Sc. equivalent) in Economics, Free University of Berlin (2005-2010)

Rostam-Afshar's research spans several interconnected fields with a focus on empirical analysis. His work in accounting and taxation examines corporate decision-making, regulatory effects, and transparency issues. In public finance, he investigates optimal taxation, tax incidence, and the relationship between taxation and economic behavior. His labor economics research explores occupational regulation, migration effects, and precautionary behavior. Methodologically, he specializes in econometrics, survey design, and experimental approaches, often combining theoretical modeling with empirical validation.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on business decision-making during economic disruptions (pandemics, wars), with particular attention to how firms respond to regulatory changes, taxation policies, and external shocks. The German Business Panel serves as a key data source for much of this research, providing insights into managerial perceptions and expectations that complement traditional accounting data.

Scientific Awards:

• Principal Investigator, German Research Foundation (2023)
• University of Turin Fellowship (2020)
• Excellence in Reviewing Award, Labor Economics (2020)
• Best Teaching Award, University of Hohenheim (2019-2020 and 2019)
• Ph.D. Fellowship, German National Academic Foundation (2011-2013)
• Scholarship, German National Academic Foundation (2009-2010)

Rostam-Afshar has advised numerous master's and PhD students, including Laura Arnemann (now at OECD) and Lisa Feil (now at SAP). His grant portfolio includes significant funding from the German Research Foundation and collaborations with major institutions including the European Commission. He has developed specialized Stata modules for econometric analysis, including BBANDITS for multi-armed bandit experiments.

As academic director of the German Business Panel, Rostam-Afshar leads a major research initiative that collects semi-annual survey data from managers responsible for accounting and tax matters in German firms. This panel provides unique insights into firm-level decision-making processes that complement traditional financial reporting data.