The Quantitative History (QH) Cluster is an interdisciplinary research initiative within the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IHSS). The QH Cluster focuses on the field of Quantitative History, employing innovative methodologies and approaches to investigate historical phenomena and patterns. With a diverse range of experts from various disciplines, including history, economics, sociology, and archaeology, our cluster aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of historical events, especially China’s development from prehistoric times to the present, and their broader implications. Through rigorous quantitative analysis of historical and archaeological data, we seek to uncover new insights and challenge existing narratives.

The advent of the computer age and the digitization of numerous archives and archaeological reports in China and beyond have necessitated working with both prehistorical and historical 'big data. Recognizing the importance of quantitative history, the Institute has played a vital role in supplementing the key efforts driven by the HKU Business School. With the prestigious $74 million Areas of Excellence (AoE) grant, titled “Quantitative History of China: Historical Roots of Recent Success and Future Development,” Professor Zhiwu Chen, Principal Coordinator (PC) and the Institute Director, has taken the lead in this Cluster.

The QH Cluster consists of four subclusters: (1) Ancient Roots from Quantitative Perspectives, including prehistory and early history of China based on archaeological and historical evidence and covering such topics as prehistoric development and its long-term impact, the rise and evolution of inequality, the rise of complex society and Chinese civilization, gender inequality, evolution of living standards, and land usage; (2) Culture, Religion and Long-Term Consequences, including topics such as the rise of Confucianism and its impact on development, the introduction of Christianity and its impact on China, drivers of regional cultures and their long-term impact on development; (3) State Capacity, Institutions and Development, including such topics as the origins and consequences of Chinese state capacity, the evolution and consequences of governance institutions, and the history of violence and social order in historical China; and (4) Financial History, Trade and the Rise of Hong Kong as a Financial Centre, covering topics such as the co-evolution of and competition between Confucianism and financial development, the introduction of modern technology and its impact on China’s financial development history, religion and trade globalization in Chinese history, the rise of HK as a global trade centre and an international financial centre.

As part of this collaborative cluster, the Institute and the HKU Business School have jointly established the Centre for Quantitative History (CQH). This specialized platform serves as a focal point for research and dissemination efforts, providing a dedicated space to advance the field of quantitative history.