Stability and Sample-Based Approximations of Composite Stochastic Optimization Problems

Optimization under uncertainty and risk is indispensable in many practical situations. Our paper addresses stability of optimization problems using composite risk functionals that are subjected to multiple measure perturbations. Our main focus is the asymptotic behavior of data-driven formulations with empirical or smoothing estimators such as kernels or wavelets applied to some or to all functions of the compositions. We analyze the properties of the new estimators and we establish strong law of large numbers, consistency, and bias reduction potential under fairly general assumptions. Our results are germane to risk-averse optimization and to data science in general.

Funding: This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research [Grant N00014-21-1-2161].