Jonathan W. Welburn

Jonathan W. Welburn is a Senior Researcher at the RAND Corporation and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. His work focuses on systemic risks, cybersecurity, financial systems, and AI governance, using computational economics and decision science to inform public policy.

His research interests span systemic risk in economic networks, cybersecurity and cyber deterrence, AI governance, racial wealth disparities, and supply chain resilience. He applies advanced modeling techniques, including game theory and input-output analysis, to assess the macroeconomic impacts of cyber threats, financial instability, and policy interventions. His recent work emphasizes the risks and opportunities associated with AI adoption in society and the economy.

The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong focus on emerging technological risks, particularly in AI and cybersecurity, and their implications for national and economic security. His work integrates interdisciplinary methods to analyze cross-sectoral vulnerabilities, from financial systems to defense supply chains, with a growing emphasis on anticipatory governance and policy design.

• Member, Financial Research Advisory Committee (FRAC), Office of Financial Research
• Member, Aspen Cybersecurity Group
• Council Member, Society for Risk Analysis
• Council Member, Decision Analysis Society

Welburn has secured research funding from major federal agencies including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army. He teaches computational economics at the RAND School and contributes to public discourse through op-eds in the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, and LA Times.

He is affiliated with interdisciplinary research teams and policy labs at RAND, including those focused on AI and narrative, cyber attribution, and economic resilience. His work often involves collaboration with economists, policy analysts, and national security experts to develop tools and frameworks for decision support in complex environments.