Machine Learning-Augmented Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity Design

ML-augmented fuzzy RDD extends the classical fuzzy regression discontinuity design by replacing parametric polynomial approximations with flexible machine learning estimators. Where standard fuzzy RDD uses IV-style estimation at a threshold with imperfect compliance, the ML-augmented variant leverages nonparametric learners — such as random forests or neural networks — to model both the outcome and the first-stage treatment probability near the cutoff, reducing misspecification bias while preserving causal identification.