Itay P. Fainmesser

Itay P. Fainmesser is an Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Economics at Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on economic theory, social networks, trust, cooperation, and digital privacy, with significant contributions to understanding consumer profiling, influencer marketing, and data governance in the digital economy.

His primary research interests include Economic Theory, Social Networks, Trust and Cooperation, Influence, Social Media, and Privacy. He explores how digital platforms collect and use consumer data, the welfare implications of data misuse, and the design of regulatory policies to protect users. His work bridges economics, business strategy, and public policy, with applications in health data, market design, and AI ethics.

The recent articles highlight a strong trend in digital privacy, information design, and market regulation. His research analyzes how companies use consumer data for profiling and pricing, the societal costs of data breaches, and the role of government intervention. Themes include consumer welfare, regulatory design, ethical data use, and the impact of AI on market dynamics. Many papers involve collaborative work with Andrea Galeotti and Ruslan Momot, reflecting a consistent interdisciplinary approach.

• 2025 Johns Hopkins Discovery Award for Patient-Centered Biospecimen Market Design
• Finalist, MSOM Service SIG Best Paper Award 2023 for Digital Privacy

Fainmesser advises PhD and master’s students, including Xudong Zheng, and collaborates on federally and institutionally funded research projects. He is actively involved in academic service, co-organizing the Conference on Social and Political Economics and engaging with policymakers and the public through media outlets, podcasts, and public talks. His work has implications for antitrust authorities, digital regulators, and health policy makers.

He is a key participant in research teams focusing on data markets, privacy, and health data policy, often collaborating with scholars across disciplines at Johns Hopkins and other institutions. His labs and research groups emphasize theoretical modeling, policy analysis, and real-world applications in digital markets and public health.