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University Park, PA
Harshim Saluja, a junior studying computational data science, was selected as one of five worldwide winners of the “Forecasting the Future: A Modern Economics Challenge,” organized by Bridgewater Associates in collaboration with Global Citizen.
In her award-winning analysis, Saluja used sophisticated computational models, economic visualizations, and systems-level evaluation to assess developing global trends. Drawing on methods from computer science and data analytics, she produced a detailed forecast of how artificial intelligence, automation, and evolving trade networks may reshape global power dynamics in the coming decade.
“The idea came from doing a lot of research on the stock market and really trying to understand it as someone without a finance background,” Saluja said. “I spent time learning complex market terms and used the resources Bridgewater provided about mercantilism.”
Saluja said she read countless articles and news stories to understand market shifts, which helped her take a more global, macro perspective. The project, she said, required her to combine that big picture thinking with data skills and economic reasoning to develop 20 detailed forecasts.
“After collecting the data, it came down to using the right amount of math and analytical skills to develop the forecasts,” she said. “Even though I didn’t fully understand all the complex market terms back then, I was confident in my math and analytical abilities. I knew I had the problem-solving skills to work through it. That confidence in my technical foundation really carried me through the challenge.”
The international competition drew more than 1,000 submissions from 120 countries, challenging participants to forecast how “Modern Mercantilism” will shape global trade, technology and geopolitics through 2035. Winners were announced live at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City’s Central Park, where Saluja’s work was recognized on stage by Bridgewater CEO Nir Bar Dea and actor Hugh Jackman, who serves as a Global Citizen ambassador, before a worldwide audience.
While Saluja did not attend the festival in person, she learned of her win during a Zoom call with Bridgewater representatives. Winners received $25,000 and an opportunity for employment or an internship at Bridgewater.
