The procurement (6 lots) will implement the Preparatory Action (PA "New methodologies to assess inequality"). It will provide the necessary support to develop and measure inequality. In particular, it will support the integration of advanced analytical techniques - such as Big Data analytics, Natural Language Processing, and non-linear econometric models - as well as new modelling strategies-such as HANK, OLG models—applied to alternative data sources including administrative, text and survey data.

Support for identifying new dimensions and measurements of inequality

In Lot 1 JRC will require support for measuring the following aspects of inequality: regional and urban vs. rural inequality; neighborhood segregation; human capital, health and digital inequality, energy and environmental disparities, transport access, time poverty, and subjective well-being. Measurement approaches will need to incorporate multidimensional indices, distribution-sensitive indicators, life-cycle measures, and the integration of micro and administrative data to capture new dimensions of inequalities.

Support for inequality in ND: non-linear AI assisted models

In Lot 2 JRC will ask for support on modelling inequality bridging micro heterogeneity and macro dynamics to reflect how shocks propagate unevenly. Support will be requested for variable data coverage, missing values, measurement errors, and differing data frequencies, requiring support for robust imputation and harmonization methods. Support on advanced estimation techniques applied to inequality will be also required for one or more of the following: pseudovariables models, distributional VARs, nonlinear econometric models, quantile regressions, mixed-effects models, and Bayesian nonparametric modelling, all capturing inequality.

Support for assessing wealth inequality and household financial behaviour

In Lot 3 JRC is looking for support to generate novel insights on household finances and household financial behaviour, key drivers of wealth accumulation and inequality using the emerging data sources mentioned above. The support will also be requested for analysis of savings and borrowing decisions shaping financial markets and economic outcomes.

Support for advanced macro modelling with inequality

In Lot 4 JRC is looking for support to develop a two-country HANK model which would enable exploring national redistribution versus international risk sharing. Support would be also requested for the development of an aggregate (EU-level), HANK model simulating policy effects on income and wealth heterogeneity.

Support for spatial drivers of (wealth) inequality

In Lot 5 JRC is looking for support combining individual wealth and income data with regional computational models, with the objective to analyse the link between variables like households’ savings, housing investments, ownership, and tenancy patterns and local economic factors, population growth, and migration affect at granular level. Such insights should inform targeted subnational policy

Support for social capital and territorial inequality

In Lot 6 JRC is looking for research support on the formation and distribution of social capital and cohesion across the EU. The Lot will require support in understanding the link between social capital and economic inequality, mobility, populism, and challenges facing the Union. The research activity will require data gathering and analysis of social network data and analytics that offer new opportunities to quantify social cohesion’s distribution and economic impact, guiding inclusive policy frameworks.