News

Ran Abramitzky awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

Economist Ran Abramitzky, a SIEPR senior fellow, wins a prestigious fellowship that recognizes scholars and scientists for their outstanding achievements and exceptional promise.

SIEPR's Juliane Begenau, Shoshana Vasserman named Sloan Research Fellows

Begenau and Vasserman are among eight Stanford faculty whose early-career accomplishments mark them as the next generation of leaders.

Even in death, Victor Fuchs has a message to share

A working paper that the longtime Stanford health economist drafted more than 35 years ago tying child-care subsidies to women’s economic equality sees the light of day.

Fatal trade-off: Land allotment policy raised Native American death rates

New research by SIEPR’s Grant Miller reveals a 19th-century federal program that gave Native Americans land and citizenship had devastating consequences.

The rush to quit coal is leading countries into the “gas trap”

Research by SIEPR Senior Fellow Bård Harstad warns policymakers of a dilemma: As countries turn to natural gas, investments in renewable energy end up taking a hit.

When companies love (not hate) high-tax countries

New research from SIEPR’s Juan Carlos Suárez Serrato explores what happens when U.S. multinationals shift costs from lower-tax countries back to the U.S. to reduce their taxes.

A new tool for sizing up the US economy

The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and MIT have developed a tool that makes it easier for journalists, policymakers and others to spot trends in the U.S. economy.

Student absences increased under threat of deportation efforts, study finds

New research by SIEPR Senior Fellow Thomas Dee finds a 22 percent jump in student absences in California school districts facing intensified immigration enforcement.

Simple storytelling boosts financial literacy, study finds

New research by SIEPR’s Annamaria Lusardi shows the promising benefit of an online tool to improve adults’ financial knowledge by teaching the basics via two-minute stories.

‘Our country has a building problem’

The U.S. isn’t moving fast enough to meet demand for necessities like energy and housing. A recent SIEPR Policy Forum examined how the ‘abundance’ movement aims to fix that.

When health care providers go bankrupt, patients pay the price

New research by SIEPR Faculty Fellow Adrienne Sabety shows increased hospitalizations, staff turnover, and higher use of physical restraints.

Scoping the trade war: New tool tracks company responses to tariffs, economic threats

SIEPR’s Antonio Coppola and Matteo Maggiori leverage AI to develop a way of measuring how companies are reacting to President Trump’s tariffs and other forms of economic pressure.

Trump’s tariffs lead investors to question the future of the dollar

The dollar is typically a refuge in moments of uncertainty. SIEPR senior fellows Arvind Krishnamurthy and Hanno Lustig say this time is different.

Who’s paying the price for California’s wildfires? ‘Everyone.’

A SIEPR Policy Forum examined how government, business and academia can best address the rising economic costs of wildfires.

SIEPR survey: Californians weigh in on home insurance crisis, economic outlook

Uncertainty about how to fix a faltering home insurance market was one of several findings from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research’s survey of California consumers

WFH: An international sensation, with cultural twists

Working from home is a big hit in English-speaking countries. But not so much in Asia, according to a new global survey of employees.

Study: Millions could lose no-cost preventive health services if Supreme Court upholds ruling

As the Supreme Court mulls a health policy ruling, research by SIEPR predoc Michelle Bronsard and Faculty Fellow Adrienne Sabety indicates the scope of people who'd be affected.

Study spotlights a ‘jobs engine’ (that isn’t AI)

New research from SIEPR’s Neale Mahoney measures the huge surge in health care jobs and sets the stage for more on why patterns and policies are panning out as expected, or not.

Study: Women take ‘substantial’ earnings hit during menopause

New research from Stanford economist Petra Persson is one of the first to examine the economic toll of menopause, which affects one-fifth of the nation’s workforce.

Large-scale investment in research needed to maintain US agriculture

SIEPR Senior Fellow David Lobell examines how U.S. agriculture productivity has been declining amid impacts of climate change and estimates the public R&D needed to reverse course.

Return to office? Not everybody is doing it.

In a new Atlanta Fed survey, Stanford’s Nicholas Bloom and Steven Davis and their collaborators find U.S. executives are strongly set on keeping work-from-home policies.

We’re still learning from Silicon Valley Bank’s failure

Q&A: SIEPR senior fellows Peter DeMarzo and Arvind Krishnamurthy discuss their research that offers a new take on what happens to bank balance sheets when interest rates rise.

Does health insurance create jobs?

A new study by SIEPR senior fellow Maria Polyakova sheds important new light on a key question in health care economics.

New research reveals striking variations in pandemic recovery among U.S. school districts

SIEPR Senior Fellow Sean Reardon co-led an analysis that finds widening achievement gaps but also pockets of success in regaining pre-pandemic achievement levels.

SIEPR launches survey of Californians on the economy and government

The first California Economic Survey found residents were more upbeat about the economy, immigration and AI than the U.S. overall at year end. Will wildfires and Trump change that?

Contributions of SIEPR scholars in the Economic Report of the President

The 2025 report tapped the work of our scholars in its assessment of pressing economic policy issues ranging from global financial markets to remote work.

Economic lookahead: What to expect on the global, US and California stages

Buckle up. With President Trump planning big changes for U.S. economic policy, SIEPR scholars go beyond the headlines to identify key issues everyone should be thinking about.

Easing the scarring effects of mass layoffs

Research by SIEPR Faculty Fellow Michael Blank sheds light on the impacts of job losses and the trade-offs between unemployment insurance and job retention policies.

Young investors’ support for ESG dropped dramatically in 2024

An annual survey conducted by SIEPR Senior Fellow Amit Seru and Stanford researchers shows a steep decline in investor enthusiasm for environmental and social priorities.

Trade, tariffs and treaties

A new book by SIEPR Senior Fellow Alan O. Sykes offers a timely look at international trade law and its economic underpinnings.

Q&A: A new report on “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work”

The report, requested by Congress and co-chaired by SIEPR’s Erik Brynjolfsson and Carnegie Mellon’s Tom Mitchell, examines workforce implications of AI.

AI boot camp brings Sacramento policymakers to Stanford

California officials dealing with AI policy engaged with the university’s leading experts on economics, public policy, regulation and technology.

What soccer fans can teach us about the rationale — and distortion — behind financial choices

Loyalty matters: SIEPR Faculty Fellow Kwabena Donkor finds that people align investment decisions with their identity and not only with potential profits.

For major US cities, the ‘donut effect’ persists

New research from Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom finds that the country’s 12 largest cities may never again look like they did before the pandemic.

Mapping the maze where the IRS could find billions in unpaid taxes

SIEPR senior fellows Rebecca Lester and Daniel Ho are untangling the incredibly complex corporate structures some taxpayers use to reduce their tax bills.

The future of global trade: ‘What’s going to hurt the U.S. is the U.S.’

Top experts on trade gathered at Stanford to discuss how American protectionism is reshaping the world economy and what to expect from a Trump or Harris administration.

American innovation got slammed by the “temporary” end of a key tax incentive

A tax rule that was never supposed to go into effect has led U.S. companies to slash their R&D spending, SIEPR Senior Fellow Rebecca Lester finds.

Researchers tap AI to identify racial restrictions in millions of property records

SIEPR’s Daniel Ho and fellow researchers trained a large language model that paves the way for faster, more accurate compliance with California’s anti-discrimination law.

Is the United States’ borrowing binge about to burst?

As the federal deficit has ballooned, research by SIEPR’s Hanno Lustig indicates investors may be rethinking the safety of Treasury bonds and warns of a “risky debt regime.”

Study finds EV subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act help the climate, U.S. automakers — but at a questionable cost to taxpayers

A comprehensive new study from Stanford economist Hunt Allcott and his colleagues sheds light on the limited benefits of the electric vehicle tax credits under the IRA.

Two beers, a pandemic, and a workplace revolution

Stanford economists Nicholas Bloom and Steven Davis recognized early on in the pandemic that working from home is here to stay. Their insights continue to shape the future of work.

Stanford launches Initiative for Financial Decision-Making to transform personal finance education

The new program is backed by a gift from Charles Schwab and the Charles R. Schwab Foundation for Financial Freedom. SIEPR’s Annamaria Lusardi will serve as its faculty director.

Can global supply chains be fixed?

The pandemic exposed deep flaws in the sourcing and delivery of goods and services worldwide. SIEPR's Matthew Jackson explains what’s wrong and what needs to be done now.

Why advertisers pay more to reach viewers who watch less

When targeting viewers on TV and social media, eyeballs are not equal. SIEPR’s Matthew Gentzkow and his colleagues shed light on the competition dynamics of the advertising market.

Striking costs of infertility point to importance of IVF access and affordability

Research by SIEPR’s Petra Persson and Maria Polyakova examines both the public and private impacts of infertility — from the toll on mental health to socio-economic dynamics.

The surprising economic upside to money in US politics

As election battles heat up and political cash arsenals swell, SIEPR’s Greg Buchak delivers insights into the leveling effects of unlimited campaign donations.

Hybrid work is a “win-win-win” for companies, workers, study finds

In a study published in Nature, SIEPR's Nick Bloom finds employees who work from home two days a week are just as productive, likely to get promoted, and far less prone to quit.

All eyes on AI: Promoting competition

SIEPR, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Stanford GSB co-hosted a workshop on AI to hear the views of top policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and content creators.

At what point do we decide AI’s risks outweigh its promise?

SIEPR Senior Fellow Chad Jones takes a closer look at the two sides of advanced artificial intelligence: unprecedented growth and existential risk.

Ways to strengthen and stabilize California’s residential care system

A new report coauthored by SIEPR Senior Fellow Alison Morantz examines California’s safety net of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

When the Export-Import Bank closed up, US companies saw global sales plummet

In taking a look back at a temporary shutdown of the export crediting agency, SIEPR Faculty Fellow Chenzi Xu sheds light on the importance of trade financing.

Facebook went away. Political divides didn't budge.

A Stanford-led study into how quitting social media affected users’ political views in the runup to the 2020 presidential vote has implications for this year’s election.

IMF's Gita Gopinath: Geopolitics and its impact on global trade and the dollar

Gita Gopinath, the International Monetary Fund’s second-highest ranking official, discussed threats to the world economy during her visit to Stanford.

70 years after Brown v. Board of Education, new research shows rise in school segregation

SIEPR Senior Fellow Sean Reardon and researchers at Stanford and USC launch the Segregation Explorer, a website providing data on segregation trends and patterns across the U.S.

David Chan receives NIHCM Award for research on veterans care

SIEPR Senior Fellow David Chan receives the 2024 National Institute for Health Care Management Research Award.

SF Fed’s Mary Daly: ‘Inflation was always going to be a bumpy ride’

During a Q&A at SIEPR, the longtime central banker talked about a wide range of economic policy issues.

For the Colorado River and beyond, a new market could save the day

Stanford economist Paul Milgrom won a Nobel Prize in part for his role in enabling today’s mobile world. Now he’s tackling a different 21st century challenge: water scarcity.

Q&A: Julian Nyarko on why Large Language Models like ChatGPT treat Black- and white-sounding names differently

SIEPR Faculty Fellow Julian Nyarko discusses his latest research using an audit framework to probe for race and gender bias in chatbots.

Study finds medical debt relief doesn’t always work

A first-of-its-kind study from Stanford economist Neale Mahoney finds that efforts to help low-income Americans by buying up their medical debt aren’t going as planned.

Economic Report of the President draws on work of SIEPR scholars

President Biden’s assessment of the nation’s economic health and groundwork for what’s next relies heavily on academic research, including the work of several SIEPR scholars.

‘Short bursts’ of tutoring improves young readers’ skills in only minutes a day, Stanford study finds

Research by SIEPR's Susanna Loeb and the National Student Support Accelerator shows the potential of a cost-effective tutoring model that can meet students’ varying needs.

Car loans are a hidden driver of the ride-sharing economy

SIEPR Faculty Fellow Greg Buchak takes a closer look behind the ride-sharing economy. What happens when the drivers can’t afford wheels?

The power of ‘geoeconomics’ to make sense of a turbulent world

A new paper by Stanford economist Matteo Maggiori offers policymakers a framework for understanding how economic power is used to achieve geopolitical goals.

Staying ahead of inflation in 2024

In this Q&A, SIEPR Senior Fellow John Taylor discusses the economic trends he’s paying attention to in the year ahead.

The far reach of tax laws: How reforms in the UK boosted Africa

New research from Stanford’s Rebecca Lester reveals how tax policies can have unintended effects around the world.

Public pensions are mixing risky investments with unrealistic predictions

Research by SIEPR Senior Fellow Joshua Rauh on U.S. pension plans raises questions about their managers’ financial optimism.

New report shows historic gains in pandemic recovery for many U.S. school districts

Research co-authored by SIEPR Senior Fellow Sean Reardon shows some rebound in math and reading but slower gains among poor students have widened the achievement gap.

7 economic trends to watch in 2024

Policymakers have their work cut out for them this election year.

Generative AI boost can boost productivity without replacing workers

In the first large-scale study of a ChatGPT-like assistant in the workplace, SIEPR’s Erik Brynjolfsson finds it can benefit less experienced employees — and make customers happier.

European leaders talk cleaner chips, geopolitics at SIEPR

The prime minister of the Netherlands and other European officials met with Stanford students and discussed sustainability challenges of the semiconductor industry.

SIEPR’s Daniel Ho testifies on Capitol Hill, gives input to lawmakers on AI policy

The SIEPR senior fellow testifies before federal lawmakers and joins colleagues in proposing steps to develop AI policies that foster innovation while managing risks.

Big cities foster socioeconomic segregation. Here’s how we can fix that

A new study by SIEPR’s David Grusky shows people in big cities primarily interact with others in the same socioeconomic bracket. Intentional urban planning could help change that.

Dollars and sense: The case for teaching personal finance

The latest analysis by Stanford’s Annamaria Lusardi reaffirms how little people understand money and underscores the need for policies supporting personal finance education.

FTC's Lina Khan warns Big Tech over AI

Speaking at Stanford, the Federal Trade Commission chair said antitrust authorities are paying close attention to moves by the private sector to propel artificial intelligence.

Globalization: Making sense of the backlash

At the SIEPR Fall Policy Forum, experts on international issues examined why hopes for a unified world economy appear to have stalled and what the U.S. needs to do in response.

Victor Fuchs, pioneer of health care economics, has died

Fuchs’ influence and tireless devotion to the field of health care economics and the Stanford community spanned decades.

Another payoff from trading stocks: Reducing political polarization

An experiment by SIEPR senior fellow Saumitra Jha and his collaborators shows that investing — even when unprofitable — can be a lesson in building trust.

Testing whether cash transfers alleviate housing insecurity

SIEPR Faculty Fellow Adrienne Sabety is conducting an innovative experiment to see whether a cash assistance program for unhoused people will help alleviate homelessness.

Gauging the ‘subscription economy’ boon to companies

Federal regulators want to make it easier for consumers to cancel auto-renewal subscriptions. New Stanford research indicates the financial stakes for consumers and businesses.

What ‘Robot Hubs’ mean for the future of US manufacturing

New research by SIEPR Senior Fellow Erik Brynjolfsson provides a first look at robot adoption and concentration in US manufacturing.

Just how much do physicians earn — and why?

New research by Stanford health economist Maria Polyakova takes an in-depth look at how — and how much — physicians are paid in the United States.

The economists’ guide to rehabilitating U.S. health care

Stanford’s Liran Einav has co-authored a new book that blends science, history, and common sense in proposing an extreme makeover of U.S. health care.

The mythical tie between immigration and crime

Research by Stanford’s Ran Abramitzky and co-authors uncovers the most extensive evidence to date that immigrants are less likely to be imprisoned than U.S.-born individuals.

Does it pay to link executive compensation to ESG goals?

SIEPR Senior Fellow Stefan Reichelstein examines the rapid growth of “ESG pay” and its impact on the environmental, social and governance goals of firms.

A novel prescription for combating drug shortages

As policymakers look to respond to an acute drug shortage in the U.S., an analysis of the generic drug market by SIEPR’s Lisa Ouellette suggests three possible reforms.

When is it too late to give up control of your finances?

SIEPR Senior Fellow Christopher Tonetti probes the gray area when older investors want to retain control of their finances but know the risks of hanging on too long.

Marking 30 years of the Taylor rule

Scholars at a recent Hoover Institution conference reflected on the Taylor rule — from its first impact in the 1990s to today — and discussed ways to get the economy back on track.

Surprising insights from a global study on perceptions of gender norms

SIEPR’s Alessandra Voena and her co-authors find a rift between what people believe and what they think others believe about certain policies meant to empower women.

IRS confirms Stanford study of racial bias in audits

The IRS vows to take action after SIEPR’s Daniel Ho co-led a research team that found Black taxpayers are 3 to 5 times more likely to be audited.

SIEPR’s David Chan wins 2023 ASHEcon Medal

The American Society of Health Economists is recognizing David Chan for his significant contributions to health economics research.

Economic Report of the President shows SIEPR scholars making a difference

President Biden’s recent analysis of the nation’s economic progress relies heavily on academic research, including studies by more than two dozen SIEPR scholars.

Lobell, Piazzesi elected to National Academy of Sciences

SIEPR's David Lobell and Monika Piazzesi are among seven Stanford faculty elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Social (in)Security: Now's the time to act

Social Security’s clock is ticking. At the SIEPR Spring Policy Forum, top experts examined the program’s teetering finances and what happens next.

When markets and politics collide, innovation may lose out

Rethinking antitrust policies: SIEPR Senior Fellow Steven Callander shows how the threat of new competitors in regulated markets could stifle innovation.

A new look at immigrants’ outsize contribution to innovation in the US

SIEPR Senior Fellow Rebecca Diamond finds foreign-born inventors generate a disproportionate share of patents — and make their U.S.-born collaborators more productive.

Many US banks face the same risks that brought down Silicon Valley Bank

A new analysis by SIEPR Senior Fellow Amit Seru finds that $2.2 trillion in losses and nervous customers could spark more bank runs.

Stanford experts on the state of US banking after the Silicon Valley Bank collapse

SIEPR senior fellows Anat Admati and Amit Seru join fellow finance professors to talk about the ongoing risks banks face and consequences of backstopping uninsured deposits.

The secret to the dollar’s success? Nope, it’s not trade.

New research by SIEPR scholars finds countries that want to “dedollarize” must find a currency that matches the greenback’s extraordinary liquidity.

In tribute: Paul Allan David, 1935-2023

Paul Allan David, one of the founders of SIEPR, has died at 87. He established Stanford as a leading center for economic history, writes longtime colleague Gavin Wright.

Q&A: Voters “punished” candidates who pushed election fraud claims in 2022

SIEPR Senior Fellow Andrew Hall discusses new research that finds a small group of voters penalized election-denying candidates in 2022 — and could sway 2024 election results.

Q&A: How pandemic savings are ‘trickling up’ to the super-rich

SIEPR’s Adrien Auclert shows how the surge in savings by US households during the pandemic is exacerbating wealth inequality — and likely complicating efforts to tame inflation.

How the Affordable Care Act has improved farmworkers’ health

A new study by SIEPR Faculty Fellow Kwabena Donkor finds that the Affordable Care Act helps agricultural workers get better medical care — and avoid the ER.

What happened to students who left public schools during the pandemic? New research tracks their paths

SIEPR Senior Fellow Thomas S. Dee says the findings point to a need to refocus academic recovery efforts on younger students.

A low-cost fix for tech’s diversity problem

As tech companies struggle to diversify their workforces, Stanford’s Susan Athey and Emil Palikot have designed an online program to accelerate the hiring of women and minorities.

Tax avoidance has become a key part of IPO planning

SIEPR Faculty Fellow Rebecca Lester reveals many soon-to-be public companies are already one step ahead of the tax collector.

IRS disproportionately audits Black taxpayers

A Stanford collaboration with the Department of the Treasury yields the first direct evidence of differences in audit rates by race.

Study: When public hospitals go private, low-income patients lose

As public control of US hospitals has declined dramatically, SIEPR’s Mark Duggan shows how privatization improves profitability but reduces access for the most vulnerable patients.

Top economic policy challenges for 2023

No crystal balls. No reading tea leaves. Just a research-based look ahead to some undoubtedly huge economic issues.

SIEPR's Honigsberg urges lawmakers to reform corporate transparency

The faculty fellow went to Capitol Hill to tell lawmakers more should be done for the sake of investors.

Q&A with John Cochrane: The pain of a recession and agony of stagnation

While recessions are difficult, they are temporary, says Stanford economist John Cochrane. What is more painful is long-term economic slowdown and stagnation.

New research on deaths and economic impact in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic

SIEPR’s Maria Polyakova conducts a detailed analysis of the first-year impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among people based on their race and ethnicity, employment and education.

Study: Striking inequalities in US infant and maternal health point to structural racism and access issues

Research by SIEPR’s Petra Persson and Maya Rossin-Slater on health inequality finds wealthy Black mothers and infants fare worse than the poorest white mothers and infants.

Stanford research ushers in a ‘new frontier’ in tackling global poverty

In the first real-world test of a tool pioneered at Stanford to better evaluate anti-poverty policies, a new study shows the economic benefits of expanding electricity access.

The ESG generation gap: Millennials and boomers split on their investing goals

SIEPR’s Amit Seru and Stephen Haber, and their collaborators find younger investors are more willing to put money behind environmental and social goals — even if it’s costlier.

Police Facebook posts disproportionately highlight crimes involving Black suspects, study finds

As social media has risen as a news source, SIEPR’s Julian Nyarko examines law enforcement Facebook posts and finds Black suspects are overrepresented relative to arrest rates.

All about taxes: The policies everyone loves to hate

The SIEPR Policy Forum on taxation convened top policymakers, business leaders, and academics for an in-depth discussion on how to make the system more equitable and efficient.

Digging deeper on the pandemic learning loss

Research by SIEPR’s Sean Reardon and colleagues offers the clearest picture yet of pandemic learning loss, revealing patterns that vary from one school district to the next.

How to set top tax rates without deterring innovation

SIEPR Senior Fellow Charles Jones says the debate over taxing the highest earners overlooks the importance of encouraging new ideas.

World Bank President David Malpass discusses the crisis facing development

Speaking at SIEPR, the leader of the World Bank warns of challenges ahead for developing countries.

Study shows worsening wildfire smoke is unraveling decades of air quality gains

SIEPR’s Marshall Burke and his collaborators have developed an AI model for predicting particle pollution to help track the American West’s worsening wildfire smoke and its impact.

Study finds ‘substantial’ costs on workers with severe COVID-19 illnesses

Research led by SIEPR’s Gopi Shah Goda estimates that at least 500,000 Americans are not working today because of the lingering consequences of their COVID-19 illnesses.

What causes inflation? SIEPR’s John Taylor explains

Monetary policy is a major cause of the increase in inflation, says Stanford economist John Taylor.

China plans to have its currency rival the dollar. A new study assesses its prospects.

SIEPR Senior Fellow Matteo Maggiori is tracking China's push to internationalize its currency and says it's "a viable contender."

Q&A: Stanford Law Professor Alan Sykes on the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022

SIEPR Senior Fellow Alan Sykes discussed the bipartisan bill prior to its signing.

Policies aimed at protecting Americans from wildfire smoke in their homes are failing

A new study led by SIEPR Senior Fellow Marshall Burke explains better government policies are needed to help Americans keep their indoor air safe from hazardous wildfire smoke.

Investors beware: Crooked financial advisors can slip through regulatory cracks

SIEPR’s Colleen Honigsberg looks at how loopholes in regulatory monitoring of financial advisors allow bad actors to stay in the business.

The wide-ranging economic consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade

SIEPR Senior Fellow Luigi Pistaferri explains how the greatest burden of abortion restrictions will likely fall onto low-income women and minorities.

Q&A with Paul Oyer: “An Economist Goes to the Game”

In a new book, SIEPR’s Paul Oyer exposes fresh insights about the wide world of sports, both on and off the field.

How partisanship crept into a program to boost investment in low-income areas

Research by SIEPR Faculty Fellow Rebecca Lester reveals how political bias influenced the federal Opportunity Zone program rollout, underscoring concerns of fiscal misallocations.

Groundbreaking study shows benefits to reinventing responses for nonviolent 911 calls

Research by SIEPR’s Thomas Dee finds benefits to dispatching mental health specialists for nonviolent 911 calls. In Denver, it reduced reported crimes and response costs.

Overturning myths about immigration

In a new book, SIEPR Senior Fellow Ran Abramitzky and his co-author trace millions of immigrant lives to understand how they – and their children – thrived in the United States.

Addressing California's homeless crisis

To build dialogue on one of the most pressing issues facing California, the SIEPR Policy Forum convened a wide range of experts who are working the front lines of homelessness.

Gentzkow, Imbens elected to National Academy of Sciences

SIEPR’s Matthew Gentzkow and Guido Imbens are among eight Stanford faculty newly elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Missed diagnoses: Study highlights the importance of physician skills in health care

Research by David Chan and Matthew Gentzkow points to how much diagnostic skills matter in patient care and how policies to boost skills can improve health care efficiency.

White House’s chief economist discusses U.S. economy’s headwinds at SIEPR event

Cecilia Rouse, Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, addressed policies to fuel long-term economic growth.

Matteo Maggiori named Carnegie Fellow

Maggiori, an expert in international macroeconomics and finance, is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business and co-founder of The Global Capital Allocation Project.

Nicholas Bloom awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

Economist Nicholas Bloom, a SIEPR senior fellow, wins prestigious fellowship for his ongoing research on the work-from-home evolution, management practices and uncertainty.

Stanford’s Daniel Ho appointed to the Biden administration’s National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee

Daniel Ho will advise on national AI policies — from competitiveness to workforce implications and societal impacts.

Tech Policy Hackathon draws innovative policy proposals for California

Medical vending machines and the use of AI tools to help prevent wildfires were among the winning policy proposals to improve the future of California.

Using Trump endorsements to move the needle on COVID-19 vaccines

SIEPR’s Brad Larsen and his colleagues ran an experiment showing a compilation of interviews with Donald Trump recommending the COVID shots, leading to a vaccination uptick.

Matthew Jackson receives Frontiers of Knowledge Award

SIEPR Senior Fellow Matthew Jackson is recognized for his pioneering work on the essential role of networks in society.

Q&A: The U.S. is at a policy crossroads for digital currencies

SIEPR’s Darrell Duffie discusses policy recommendations on how America and its partners can address the global rise of central bank digital currencies.

SIEPR Economic Summit highlights policy challenges — and solutions — from the pandemic

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Sal Khan and Lisa Su were among the speakers who gave insightful perspectives into tough economic issues rippling across society.

Q&A: The benefits and limitations of paid family leave

SIEPR’s Maya Rossin-Slater discusses how paid family leave is not a “silver bullet” for advancing gender equality but is beneficial for health, well-being and financial stability.

Yellen discusses Russian sanctions at SIEPR Economic Summit

From the policy front line: Treasury secretary addresses invasion of Ukraine

The roots of legislative polarization: How state elections are producing a more extreme pipeline of political candidates

New research by SIEPR Senior Fellow Andrew Hall shows how elections for state legislatures are fueling ideological extremism that can spill over to national politics.

Veterans rushed to VA hospitals have significantly better outcomes

In a new study, SIEPR Senior Fellow David Chan finds veterans rushed to VA hospitals have significantly higher survival rates than veterans transported to non-VA hospitals.

Algorithms, Privacy, and the Future of Tech Regulation in California

A recent event co-hosted by SIEPR offered insights on the policy intersection of regulation, innovation and engagement.

Gearing up for policy challenges in 2022

Three SIEPR senior fellows on three important policy issues this year.

For Black Americans, COVID-19 is quickly reversing crucial economic gains

Research co-authored by SIEPR’s Peter Klenow and Chad Jones measures the welfare gap between Black and white Americans and provides a way to analyze policies to narrow the divide.

The price of fuel & fun: Study on purchasing power highlights income segregation across U.S. cities

SIEPR's Rebecca Diamond examines the significance of everyday household expenses across the U.S.

What a 19th-century bank crash can teach us today

By digging through old bank ledgers, SIEPR Faculty Fellow Chenzi Xu reveals the lasting impacts of financial crises.

Paid family leave support grew during COVID-19, Stanford study finds

Paid family leave support grew during COVID-19, Stanford study finds

Economists don’t always agree. On this hot-button issue, they do.

Economists don’t always agree. On this hot-button issue, they do.

CBO director meets with SIEPR scholars, students

CBO director meets with SIEPR scholars, students

Stanford forum explores promises, pitfalls of basic income

Stanford forum explores promises, pitfalls of basic income

Stanford economist Muriel Niederle receives Oskar Morgenstern Medal

Stanford economist receives Oskar Morgenstern Medal

“He’s just a normal dude”: SIEPR colleagues celebrate Nobel winner Guido Imbens

SIEPR Senior Fellow Guido Imbens gets a round of congratulatory greetings from Stanford colleagues for his Nobel win.

Imbens’ work ignited an empirical revolution in economics

His scholarship helped change how social scientists do their work. Here's how.

SIEPR Senior Fellow Guido Imbens wins Nobel in economic sciences

Imbens and his co-winners were awarded the prize for their methodological contributions to the analysis of causal relationships.

For doctors, taking medical advice is sometimes a hard pill to swallow

On average, doctors and their close relatives adhere to medical guidelines just over 50% of the time. The average patient complies slightly more than 54% of the time.

Study finds medical debt is a double whammy for the poor

Neale Mahoney examines the impact of a hospital financial assistance program and finds that people saddled with unpaid medical bills are less likely to seek needed health care.

Athey, Hoxby named to American Economic Association leadership

Two SIEPR senior fellows will serve executive posts at the AEA in 2022 — Susan Athey has been named president-elect, and Caroline Hoxby, co-vice president.

Jonathan Levin to advise Biden

Jonathan Levin has been tapped to join the White House advisory panel on science and technology.

Policy Forum: Contrasting economic policy in California and Texas

SIEPR’s fall Policy Forum went beyond the rhetoric of the rivalry between the Golden and Lone Star states to provide a closer examination and lively discussion.

Researchers find ninth-grade ethnic studies helped students for years

A new study by SIEPR senior fellow Tom Dee shows students assigned to an ethnic studies course had longer-term improvements in attendance and graduation rates.

How a Stanford collaboration with local entities helped address COVID-19 health disparities

Using data science and machine learning concepts, SIEPR Senior Fellow Daniel Ho and a team of Stanford researchers identified disparities in COVID-19 testing.

Study dispels two myths about telemedicine

As health care delivery evolves from the pandemic, Liran Einav and colleagues find that concerns over higher costs and lower-quality care from telemedicine may well be overblown.

At SIEPR, the freedom to ask and answer ‘Is economics right for me?’

SIEPR’s undergraduate research assistants and predocs don’t have to be committed to a career in economics. They just need to be curious and open to learning.

How school reopening decisions influenced enrollment drop

SIEPR's Thomas S. Dee discusses new research examining the impact of school policies to go remote or in-person in 2020-21.

Inflation has spiked. Is it time to worry?

Consumer prices are rising and so are fears of inflation. SIEPR’s Monika Piazzesi weighs in on the pricing surge and potential warning signs.

America's medical debt is much worse than we think

Neale Mahoney sheds new light on the troubling extent of America's medical debt and finds individuals in low-income areas and in the South are most affected.

Evaluating the future of work in California

SIEPR & the Stanford Digital Economy Lab are conducting research that will help evaluate how artificial intelligence & machine learning will impact the future of work in California

Williams, Mahoney win 2021 ASHEcon Medal

Senior fellows Heidi Williams and Neale Mahoney share this year’s award that recognizes young researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of health economics.

Hooked on your smartphone?

Social media and smartphone use rank above watching television, smoking and boozing in the top five things people think they ought to be doing less of.

Maya Rossin-Slater wins Faculty Women’s Forum Award

Health economist and SIEPR senior fellow Maya Rossin-Slater is honored for outstanding work in supporting women at Stanford.

SIEPR’s Gopi Shah Goda to serve in Washington

Goda, a senior fellow and deputy director of SIEPR, will serve as a senior economist as part of President Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Young Scholars: Primed and ready for launch

The annual Postdoctoral Fellows Conference, where up-and-coming economists present their work, is a hallmark of SIEPR's Young Scholars Program.

Q&A: What's at stake in the Epic Games vs. Apple case

SIEPR senior fellow and law professor Mark Lemley discusses the wide implications of the trial now underway between the "Fortnite" game maker and tech behemoth Apple.

Q&A: Waiving COVID-19 vaccine patents

As the World Trade Organization considers waiving patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines, SIEPR Senior Fellow Lisa Larrimore Ouellette explains the proposal [...]

Study highlights the importance of risk perceptions during pandemic shutdowns

Maria Polyakova and Grant Miller underscore how individual perceptions of risk will play a role in the return to pre-pandemic norms and the effectiveness of COVID-related policies.

Research reveals homes in floodplains are overvalued by nearly $44 billion

SIEPR's Marshall Burke shows almost 4 million homes in floodplains have been overvalued, suggesting that improved disclosure on flood risks could influence housing market outcomes.

Beyond borders: The benefits of proactive policies in a pandemic

SIEPR's Matthew Jackson shows COVID-19 infection rates could be substantially lower with government policies that are more outward-looking and proactive.

Study finds that paid family leave does not hurt employers

New research from SIEPR’s Maya Rossin-Slater suggests that employers are not harmed when workers take paid leaves of absence to care for family members.

Study suggests a new approach for Uncle Sam to fight poverty

Faculty Fellow Jacob Goldin is among a group of Stanford scholars focused on increasing EITC participation.

Vote-by-mail had surprisingly little effect on turnout in 2020, new study shows

The record number of absentee votes in the presidential election did not drive the extraordinary increase in the overall number of ballots cast, according to SIEPR's Andrew Hall.

Keeping score on the world of college sports

Panelists at the 2021 SIEPR Economic Summit didn't shy away from talking about cutting teams, the prospect of unionized student athletes and the idea of nixing the NCAA.

SIEPR Economic Summit highlights money, tech and sports

Mellody Hobson, Raphael Bostic, Jeff Raikes and Satya Nadella were among the speakers at the 2021 Summit.

Melding AI with health care and policy to combat human trafficking

The Stanford Human Trafficking Data Lab conducts critical research through a collaboration among academics, health-care providers and frontline trafficking experts and prosecutors.

George Shultz, statesman and Stanford scholar, dies at 100

George Shultz, a former U.S. secretary of state and SIEPR advisory board member who wielded profound influence on American public policy, died Feb. 6.

Faculty fellowship named in honor of George P. Shultz at SIEPR

A new faculty fellowship at SIEPR recognizes George P. Shultz and his distinguished career in public service, business, academia and economic policy.

What’s behind the increase in ADHD?

New Stanford research on ADHD diagnoses and drug treatment among youths highlights a significant issue in the diagnostic process [...]

Climate change has caused billions of dollars in flood damages, Stanford researchers find

In a new analysis, SIEPR faculty fellow Marshall Burke and his colleagues attribute about one-third of the cost of flooding damages in the past 30 years to climate change.

New study of gun violence in schools identifies long-term harms

Research from SIEPR’s Maya Rossin-Slater finds that students exposed to school shootings face 'lasting, persistent' adversity in their educational and long-term economic outcomes.

So your parents want you to be a doctor?

SIEPR’s Petra Persson and Maria Polyakova identify one possibility for why homogeneity within the medical profession persists – and what the unintended consequences may be.

Q&A: All eyes on Georgia, an election battleground — again

It’s been a long election season, and it’s still not over. Two pivotal runoffs on Jan. 5 in Georgia will determine which party will control the U.S. Senate [...]

Economics needs more women as field impacts public policy

“We cannot make progress on some of the most important issues facing our society today without a diverse set of voices contributing to the research and discussion."

Teacher licensing laws keep out least qualified teachers

SIEPR’s Bradley Larsen wades into the policy debate over the value of teacher certification with evidence that tougher requirements can help weed out less-capable candidates.

Trailblazing economist and presidential adviser Edward Lazear dies at 72

The SIEPR senior fellow founded the field of personnel economics.

In tribute: John “Jack” Gurley, Feb. 25, 1920 — Nov. 15, 2020

What does the future of work look like?

The Stanford Digital Economy Lab’s first conference featured conversations and insights from visionary leaders across industries and sectors.

Predicting how COVID-19 spreads in cities

SIEPR’s David Grusky and fellow researchers created a computer model to help identify efficient, equitable reopening policies.

Dead people don’t vote: Study points to an ‘extremely rare’ fraud

SIEPR's Andrew Hall scoured 4.5 million voter records in one state and found only 14 possible cases of ballots cast on behalf of people who had died.

Political polarization did not increase with COVID-19, Stanford research finds

A potential reason could stem from the creation of a new sense of unity in response to a national threat, says SIEPR's Matthew Gentzkow.

Lives saved: An examination of lockdown policies

Matthew Gentzkow finds that social distancing clearly saves lives. And most social distancing early in the early pandemic happened whether or not areas had mandated lockdowns.

Senators discuss climate policy possibilities

In an online event moderated by SIEPR's Lawence Goulder, senators Lisa Murkowski and Sheldon Whitehouse discussed the prospects of bipartisan climate change legislation.

Understanding COVID's toll on the economy and mortality

SIEPR Faculty Fellow Maria Polyakova examines how the pandemic impacted individual livelihoods depending on where people live, as well as the age of coronavirus victims.

A dangerous mix of polarization and uncertainty during election time

SIEPR senior fellows Jonathan Rodden and Nicholas Bloom say uncertainty around the presidential election could prolong the economic recovery.

“A long time coming”: SIEPR colleagues laud Milgrom’s Nobel win

The prize cements not only Milgrom's legacy as a ground-breaking economist, but also his impact on public policy and dedication to nurturing new generations of economic scholars.

Stanford economists Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson win the Nobel in economic sciences

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences cited the pair for improvements to auction theory and inventions of new auction formats.

Economist urges speed in fighting climate change

“We’re not going anywhere near fast enough,” says Nicholas Stern, the 2020 recipient of the SIEPR Prize that recognizes major policy influencers.

Susan Athey honored for innovative market research

SIEPR's Susan Athey recognized for pioneering and innovative scholarship on markets.

Trump, Biden economic policies hashed out

Austan Goolsbee and Kevin Hassett engaged in an hourlong conversation hosted by SIEPR that covered the most pressing economic topics facing the nation.

Stanford series to highlight challenges to democracy

SIEPR's Ran Abramitzky is organizing Democracy Matters, a forum to discuss economics and other issues affecting U.S. democracy in the runup to Election Day.

COVID-19 lockdowns increase domestic violence and potential harms to fetuses

Research by SIEPR's Maya Rossin-Slater finds that babies born to mothers who experience an assault during pregnancy are more likely to weigh much less and be born prematurely [...]

How a simple nudge can motivate workers to save for retirement

Research from SIEPR’s Jacob Goldin identifies an easy, low-cost way to inspire employees to enroll in a retirement plan.

A new measure of segregation

SIEPR researchers examine exposure to racial diversity

Q&A: The economic impact of suspending visas for international students

SIEPR's Ran Abramitzky says the federal policy to revoke student visas for those whose classes will be fully online hurts the U.S. economy, innovation, and productivity.

Economist with keen focus on climate change to receive SIEPR Prize

Nicholas Stern, who labeled climate change as the world’s greatest and widest-ranging market failure, will receive the award on Oct. 7.

A snapshot of the new working-from-home economy

SIEPR's Nicholas Bloom discusses the societal impacts of a new “working-from-home economy” and the nitty-gritty challenges posed by the transition to widespread remote work.

Study finds home foreclosures can have devastating, long-term impacts

SIEPR’s Rebecca Diamond compiled a unique dataset to uncover fresh research insights into foreclosure’s effects on homeowners, landlords and renters.

Duggan reappointed as SIEPR director

Duggan’s second five-year term, announced by Stanford’s Vice Provost and Dean of Research Kathryn Moler, begins Sept. 1, 2020.

Harnessing satellite imagery and AI to help fight poverty in Africa

A new tool created by SIEPR's Marshall Burke and David Lobell combines publicly accessible satellite imagery with AI to track poverty across African villages over time.

Just how bad is it? The portrayal of unemployment news matters

New Stanford research fleshes out the powerful, lingering negative effects of bad unemployment news [...]

The coronavirus pandemic and U.S. health policy

Insights from health policy experts speaking at a SIEPR virtual event ranged from addressing gaps in medical coverage and why massage parlors should not be allowed to reopen yet.

New research on voting by mail shows neutral partisan effects

As debates heat up over how to handle the November election, new Stanford research shows the method of voting by mail favors neither Democrats nor Republicans [...]

'Coronavirus culture war'? Shedding light on the role of political beliefs in social distancing

New research by SIEPR’s Matthew Gentzkow shows that heavily Republican counties saw 19 percent higher movement of people than in comparable Democratic counties.

Expecting a quick economic recovery? Don’t hold your breath

Forecasting a 20 percent decline by the fourth quarter of this year, SIEPR’s Nicholas Bloom predicts the U.S. economy will hobble along through 2021 [...]

Q&A: What's behind the gender gap in disability benefits?

SIEPR's Luigi Pistaferri discusses his research showing women are 20 percent more likely than men to have their claims wrongly rejected.

Productivity pitfalls of working from home in the age of COVID-19

Nicholas Bloom is widely known for his research showing the benefits of working from home. But in the current coronavirus crisis, the economist fears productivity will plummet.

It's prime time for financial literacy

With a pandemic upending nearly every corner of life, Michael Boskin and John Shoven debut a class whose title carries an added urgency neither of them expected [...]

Darrell Duffie on the financial markets in a coronavirus world

The SIEPR senior fellow discusses the volatility of the financial markets and potential stabilizing measures as a recession threatens the economy.

Erik Brynjolfsson to join Stanford faculty

Brynjolfsson will continue his scholarship and leadership in deepening the understanding of technological advances along with their societal and economic effects.

Athey appointed to California economic advisory council

The newly formed council will advise Gov. Newsom on economic issues and deepen relationships between the administration and academic researchers.

In tribute: Donald Leo Lucas, March 18, 1930 – Dec. 27, 2019

Don Lucas played a key role in the growth and success of SIEPR.

Pricing alone won't bridge the digital divide

SIEPR’s Greg Rosston analyzes a pioneering $10-a-month internet service on subscription rates among low-income households and finds some hoped-for benefits fall short.

America leads other countries in deepening polarization

Senior Fellow Matthew Gentzkow finds that America’s chilly chasm of negative sentiment between Democrats and Republicans has grown faster and larger [...]

The value of occupational licensing dims in the online world

SIEPR Faculty Fellow Brad Larsen brings a twist to ongoing debates over licensing laws as his latest research shows how consumers don't care about occupational licenses [...]

The silent cost of school shootings

SIEPR’s Maya Rossin-Slater finds the average rate of antidepressant use among youths rose by 21 percent in the local communities where fatal school shootings occurred.

Tracking the global mindset of uncertainty

The World Uncertainty Index, co-created by SIEPR Senior Fellow Nicholas Bloom, is the broadest assessment tool yet to measure global uncertainty [...]

SIEPR's Josh Rauh joins Council of Economic Advisers

The SIEPR senior fellow begins his term Nov. 4.

Policy Forum: Combating climate change

Academics, policymakers and other experts explored the pros and cons of a range of economic policy innovations to curb the harms of a warming planet.

Pitfalls of outsourcing public welfare

SIEPR’s Maria Polyakova looks at what happens when the private sector is tasked with providing government benefits and identifies potentially undesirable outcomes [...]

Mentoring workshop aims to support women economists

SIEPR's Maya Rossin-Slater is taking steps to address the gender gap in the field of economics.

The AI "awakening"

At SIEPR, Erik Brynjolfsson forecasts a boom in economic productivity fueled by artificial intelligence.

Poverty's impact on educational opportunity

Racial segregation leads to growing achievement gaps – but it does so entirely through differences in school poverty, according to new research from SIEPR's Sean Reardon.

The benefits of open trade

At the Stanford China Economic Forum, scholars and international business leaders discussed the innovation that comes from China and U.S. collaboration.

Procrastination or financial literacy? Study highlights why retirement saving can be hard

Research conducted by SIEPR’s Gopi Shah Goda shows that the structure of retirement plans play an important role in determining who saves more or less money.

What happens to local jobs when state taxes go up?

Research by SIEPR’s Joshua Rauh shows small increases in corporate rates will spur some firms to pull up stakes.

U.S. policy to restrict abortion funding results in more abortions

Senior Fellow Grant Miller and fellow researchers find that a policy enacted by American presidents opposing abortion results in less funding for family planning and birth control.

Q&A: SIEPR director on the Raytheon-United Technologies merger

As a huge defense industry merger awaits government and shareholder approval, SIEPR Director Mark Duggan weighs in on the deal, drawing insights from his own research.

From barbershops to the Supreme Court: Student researchers at SIEPR cut their teeth in the real world

Student researchers at SIEPR have the chance to explore the institutions and issues that shape our world while working to improve economic policy.

It’s good for new moms when dads can stay home

New research by SIEPR’s Petra Persson and Maya Rossin-Slater shows the benefits of policies that allow for flexible paternity leave.

Policy Forum: Understanding America’s sea of debt

Experts and students discussed the federal deficit and student loans during SIEPR’s spring Policy Forum.

Robot Inc.: Study shines new light on China’s manufacturing makeover

China owns nearly one-fifth of the global supply of robots — making it the world’s largest user of industrial robots — according to research by SIEPR senior fellow Hongbin Li.

John B. Shoven, a king of retirement economics, retires

John B. Shoven, SIEPR's former director who led the institute's transformation from a small operation to a renowned policy-oriented research hub, is taking on a new title [...]

SIEPR’s global poverty research center gets major philanthropic boost

The Stanford King Center on Global Development expands efforts to improve quality of life in the developing world.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 11: What’s Best for the Surrounding Community?

In areas tied to declining industries, corporate reorganization has better long-term impact than going-out-of-business sales, according to SIEPR’s Shai Bernstein.

SIEPR Summit highlights trade, tech and THC

As ominous as some of the topics were at the SIEPR Economic Summit, they are among some of today’s most pressing policy questions.

At SIEPR, Fed Chair says no need for rate adjustments

Speaking at the 2019 SIEPR Economic Summit, Jerome Powell reiterated how the interest rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee was going to stay patient.

New research finds flaws in veterans' claims system

SIEPR’s Daniel Ho examines the costly backlog of veterans' appeals and finds how a program meant to help reduce the errors behind appeals has failed.

Is there a doctor in the house?

Research by SIEPR's Maria Polyakova and Petra Persson finds significant health gains in having a medical professional in the family [...]

Tuning out: What happens when you drop Facebook?

Research by SIEPR’s Matthew Gentzkow and his colleagues provides some of the strongest evidence of how Facebook affects users, including their mental well-being [...]

Q&A: Understanding the French protests

The yellow vest movement in France, which began as a protest against increased fuel taxes, has taken on a much broader agenda, says SIEPR’s Gregory Rosston.

Choice of Medicare drug plan reduces opioid use, researchers find

The study by three SIEPR senior fellows shows those enrolled in Medicare Advantage were 37 percent less likely to get an opioid prescription [...]

Study shows high cost and low benefit to border wall for US workers

SIEPR's Melanie Morten and Treb Allen find the policies that led to a partial wall between the U.S. and Mexico had a negative economic impact.

At SIEPR, Jerry Brown looks to California’s future and ponders its past

Gov. Jerry Brown cautioned during SIEPR’s Policy Forum that federal policymakers and his successor in Sacramento will need to be on guard for an inevitable economic downturn.

New research shows power of supply and demand in opioid crisis

New research by SIEPR Senior Fellow Matthew Gentzkow provides evidence that suggests policies restricting supply could be effective.

No pain, yes gain: How Medicare can save $4.6 billion a year

SIEPR’s Liran Einav shows long-term care hospitals have no patient benefits, but plenty of taxpayer waste.

Study suggests Facebook’s war on fake news is gaining ground

In the two years since fake news on the Internet became a full-blown crisis, Facebook has taken numerous steps to curb the flow of misinformation on its site.

Study shows more racial diversity among physicians would mean better health for black men

SIEPR’s Marcella Alsan and her colleagues calculate that black doctors could reduce cardiovascular mortality by 16 deaths per 100,000 per year [...]

Stanford study finds poor air quality responsible for one in five infant deaths in sub‑Saharan Africa

Satellite measurements of pollution across sub-Saharan Africa reveals small improvements in air quality could be an effective intervention to curb infant mortality rates.

Cloudy with a chance of disruption

New research by SIEPR Senior Fellow Nicholas Bloom shows cloud computing gathering storm among American businesses, especially the smaller ones.

Wealth and race help explain gender gaps in student test scores

A new study by Sean Reardon and researchers from Stanford’s Graduate School of Education marks the first comprehensive analysis of gender achievement gaps at the district level.

The causes and consequences of dropping ACA health care plans

A new study by SIEPR scholars and their colleagues analyzes why people are dropping their ACA plans and finds the market could unravel.

Up Next: An economic poetry slam?

Freshman Gopal Raman may be a poet at heart, but econ classes give him a new rhythm at Stanford.

Policy Forum examines the laws, divisions and future of immigration in America

As rhetoric, rather than research, often seems to frame the debate on immigration, the SIEPR event put facts in the foreground.

Students tackle housing policy in SIEPR hackathon

During the first policy hackathon at Stanford, 30 undergraduates played the part of policymakers thinking through the trade-offs and constraints facing housing-stressed communities

Q&A: SIEPR’s Rosston weighs in on net neutrality

Following the U.S. Senate vote to restore net neutrality regulations, SIEPR Senior Fellow Gregory Rosston offers his perspective about the future of the internet.

Throwing a “Bresfest” to fete a friend and colleague

As a scholar, mentor and public servant, Timothy Bresnahan has made a tremendous mark in the world of economics.

Bill Bradley, recipient of 2018 SIEPR Prize, calls for public service and political compromise

The key player behind the 1986 tax reform legislation is the first former lawmaker to win the award, which recognizes people for their deep influence of economic policy.

The link between losing a relative during pregnancy and the mental health of the child

Research by SIEPR’s Petra Persson and Maya Rossin-Slater suggests that policies that can reduce stress during pregnancy can have substantial benefits for the next generation.

Impacts of emissions rule rollback

The EPA plans to scale back regulations on auto emissions from cars and trucks, Stanford researchers examine how the decision could affect the national economy and policy landscape

Paul Milgrom on challenging the status quo to solve real-world problems

Ten of his star PhD students had gathered to dine and debate, as they do every week, big-picture topics facing world economies.

Highlights from the 2018 SIEPR Economic Summit: Addiction perils, Olympic glory, political hopes and fears

For the 15th year, our Economic Summit drew some of the biggest names in academia, business and policy to delve into the most pressing issues of the day.

Tariffs, free trade and politics

SIEPR’s Alan Sykes discusses President Trump’s executive orders on steel and aluminum imports.

At SIEPR Summit, Condoleezza Rice addresses plans for Trump's talks with North Korean leader

Rice, a professor of political science at Stanford, said she was surprised to learn that Trump accepted an invitation from Kim Jong Un to discuss denuclearizing North Korea[...]

What would be an effective and fair U.S. climate change policy?

SIEPR’s Larry Goulder discusses the implications of a range of US climate policy options in terms of their overall economic impacts and the distribution of these impacts [...]

Medicare's blame game: SIEPR scholar finds what conventional wisdom gets wrong

David Chan gains first-ever access to data showing the inner workings of an influential committee advising Medicare [...]

Fuchs on health care: A diagnosis, a proposal

SIEPR’s Victor Fuchs explains what a single-payer system could achieve, what would probably never happen, and why.

The roots of nutritional inequality

SIEPR’s Rebecca Diamond’s latest research explores a broad range of issues that might affect how and whether low-income consumers buy healthful foods.

Bill Bradley, champion of bipartisan tax reform, awarded 2018 SIEPR Prize

The three-term Democratic senator worked across party lines to close loopholes, lower rates and simplify the tax code.

Family planning in low-income countries helps girls stay in school

Research by SIEPR’s Grant Miller focused on girls in Malaysia, one of the first low-income countries to provide modern contraceptives on a large scale.

Which revolution is more historic: Industrial or tech?

A new big data patent analysis by SIEPR’s Amit Seru shows that innovation bursts in the 1800s had greater social impact.

Poverty, early test scores do not determine the quality of a school system, research shows

The findings by SIEPR Senior Fellow Sean Reardon come from a new analysis of data from all public school districts in the United States.

Who becomes an inventor?

Raj Chetty's latest research shows how key factors behind who becomes an inventor are coming up short for women, minorities and children from low-income families.

Big gaps, small successes in K-12 education

To charter or not to charter? Is equity in education the new coconut water? How far are we from closing achievement gaps?

How banks undermined federal foreclosure assistance

SIEPR's Amit Seru finds that Obama’s 2009 mortgage-modification program would have helped 70% more homeowners if lenders had been better organized.

Nobel winners, colleagues, friends and family honor Kenneth Arrow

It was an endearing and enlightening day on the life of Kenneth Arrow.

SIEPR hosts president of Dallas Fed

In addition to sharing his insights on Hurricane Harvey and the national economy, Rob Kaplan met with a group of Stanford students for a discussion about economic policy.

SIEPR welcomes visitors for 2017-18 academic year

Just as visiting researchers are settling in for the current academic year, SIEPR is also accepting applications for those interested in the 2018-19 Young Scholars program.

New predoctoral program trains future economists

The start of the academic year is here, and an inaugural group of 28 predoctoral fellows and research assistants at SIEPR is all set for a rigorous journey ahead.

Private equity firms show resilience in a downturn

Shai Bernstein explored the impact of private equity firms during the financial crisis of 2008 and found they appeared to be helpful rather than harmful amid the economic turmoil.

Mythbusting four excuses for failed financial regulations

SIEPR's Anat Admati skewers a few fallacies often advanced by politicians and regulators.

Q&A: Why Obamacare isn't a job killer

SIEPR's Mark Duggan and Gopi Shah Goda talk about their latest research showing that the Affordable Care Act is not hurting the workforce, despite claims by the law's critics.

Pizza over privacy? A paradox of the digital age

A new study by SIEPR’s Susan Athey shows a disconnect between what people say they want and what they actually do when it comes to protecting privacy.

How Yelp can help with policy analyses

Online platforms like Yelp are brimming with information; Michael Luca says the time is ripe for economists and policymakers to tap these treasure troves of data [...]

This is not your parents’ economy

SIEPR’s Raj Chetty and David Grusky are influencing government policy and practice with revelations about inequality. Find out how in this Stanford Magazine feature.

Report details racial and ethnic disparities

Despite improvements in education and social mobility, "profound racial and ethnic inequalities" still exist, and are sometimes even increasing.

Landau Prize awarded to Moritz Lenel

The prize recognizes the best student-written working paper, which this year focused on the effects of unconventional monetary policy.

Big ideas are getting harder to find

Modern-day inventors — even those in the league of Steve Jobs — will have a tough time measuring up to the productivity of the Thomas Edisons of the past.

Trump’s budget chief answers student questions at SIEPR

OMB Director Mick Mulvaney discussed economic growth, entitlements, health care and a fiery presidential tweet.

Examining criminal justice in America

Students, scholars and crimefighters go beyond the daily headlines to examine America’s criminal justice system.

SIEPR's Donaldson on winning Clark Medal

International trade expert Dave Donaldson talks about being this year's winner of the award known as the "Baby Nobel."

What history tells us about assimilation of immigrants

Senior Fellow Ran Abramitzky examines some lessons learned from the Age of Mass Migration and says fears that immigrants cannot fit into American society are misplaced.

What's really killing coal?

Many Republicans blame environmental regulations for choking the country’s coal industry. But Charles Kolstad shows there are other — likely stronger — influences at work.

Don’t blame the web for the growing political divide

Growing polarization runs highest among older Americans — or those who are the least likely to get online, according to SIEPR researchers.

Summit engages business leaders, scholars and policymakers

This year’s event took participants from the dark days of Wall Street and the Golden Age of Hollywood to the uncertain future of the world’s geopolitical shifts.

Looking at rural debt through the eyes of India's farmers

In India’s paddy fields, a researcher with SIEPR's center for international development sees how data alone can’t tell the entire story.

'Economics will miss him': Remembering Kenneth Arrow

Arrow, a senior fellow emeritus at SIEPR, is remembered for his pioneering contributions to economics and his gentle and nurturing spirit as a teacher.

At SIEPR, Yellen warns against running a “hot” economy

The Fed chief talked about the board’s approach to monetary policy, crediting its decisions for closing in on full employment and stable prices.

Analyzing colleges as “engines” of upward mobility

Public schools dominate the new study’s list of top 10 colleges that channel kids from low- or middle-income families to the top 20 percent of American wage earners.

Examining fake news and the election

Research by SIEPR’s Matthew Gentzkow finds the most widely circulated hoaxes were seen by only a small fraction of Americans.

Fed chief Janet Yellen to speak at SIEPR

The event will be webcast live beginning at 5 p.m. on Jan. 19.

Short phone call improves student enrollment, teacher attendance in Pakistan, Stanford study finds

SIEPR’s Thomas Dee examined a World Bank community engagement program and noted its positive impact. But results varied for boys' and girls' schools.

Trump, new Congress shape health care and immigration discussion at symposium

Washington’s new political landscape set the backdrop for presenters focused on how national issues will play out in the West.

The fading American dream

Stanford researchers show today’s kids face tough prospects of being better off than their parents.

Unraveling the key drivers behind health care costs

SIEPR’s Matthew Gentzkow talks about his new study showing why health care costs vary so widely across the country.

Stanford scholars debate Affordable Care Act: What steps should new government take?

SIEPR’s Mark Duggan and M. Kate Bundorf join a conversation about what’s worked, what needs changing, and what the next administration should do about health care reform.

Stanford researchers find millions of children in high-mortality African hotspots

Stanford researchers have determined that more than 15 million children are living in high-mortality areas across 28 Sub-Saharan African countries.

Homing in on the housing conundrum

SIEPR scholars joined policymakers, journalists and fellow academics to dig into the tensions between gentrification and affordable housing.

Should superstar earners pay supersized taxes?

Florian Scheuer takes a new look at the wealthiest workers and how different tax policies can affect their productivity — and also correct for any unfair advantages.

Major grant helps SIEPR senior fellows measure success of social programs

Raj Chetty and David Grusky are the principal investigators of a project supported with a White House-sponsored $1.5 million grant.

Before Nobel win, research and collaboration at Stanford

Bengt Holmstrom was a SIEPR Distinguished Visitor and received his PhD and master’s from Stanford University.

Summer program at SIEPR invigorates teachers

Teaching economics to high school students can be daunting, but SIEPR helps teachers embrace the challenge with a fresh approach and new resources.

Switching Medicare Part D coverage could save consumers hundreds every year

According to Maria Polyakova, a SIEPR faculty fellow, most Medicare Part D enrollees do not change their plans from year to year — even though plans can change drastically.

Stanford scientists combine satellite data, machine learning to map poverty

The availability of accurate and reliable information on the location of impoverished zones is surprisingly lacking for much of the world.

Growth-minded reforms could jumpstart US economy

SIEPR’s John Taylor says lower tax rates, a host of reforms and free-trade agreements could give a much-needed boost to America’s economy.

When insurance companies combine, customers often lose

Research by SIEPR Director Mark Duggan offers warnings about major mergers proposed by Anthem and Aetna. And the media and policymakers are taking note.

Sticking to the script: The rise of bias in political rhetoric

Research by Matthew Gentzkow shows the extent to which political speech reflects deep party divisions.

Can branchless banking help the poor save?

India's branchless banking program has led to an unprecedented increase in access to banks for the rural poor. But can it help households save?

SIEPR’s Owen recognized for excellence in teaching

As a professor and director of Stanford’s Public Policy Program, Bruce Owen has inspired generations of students.

SIEPR awards fellowships for upcoming academic year

About $400,000 in support is being given to 16 graduate students.

Checking up on the Affordable Care Act

Total spending on health care will amount to $3.4 trillion, an average of more than $10,000 per person. But experts at a SIEPR Policy Forum said a third of those costs go to waste.

Economy — and history — point to Clinton victory, says Stanford scholar

David Brady, a political scientist and SIEPR senior fellow, is drawing from polling research and voting patterns to understand a campaign he says “is not going to be pretty.”

Landau Prize is awarded to Michela Giorcelli

Giorcelli’s research focuses on the determinants of firm productivity and innovation, by using historical natural experiments and new collected data.

Jonathan Levin, SIEPR senior fellow, to lead Stanford business school

Levin’s research has focused on auctions and marketplace design, the economics of organizations and consumer finance.

Boosting emergency room efficiency through physician teamwork

David Chan learns what happens when doctors determine whom among them is better suited to take on the next patient, rather than relying on triage nurses to make the assignments.

Taking the financial bite out of malaria prevention

SIEPR’s Pascaline Dupas has focused much of her research on how to increase the use of insecticide-treated bed nets by making them inexpensive and easy to get.

Insights from Nepal’s abortion legalization

Grant Miller, a SIEPR senior fellow and director of the Stanford Center for International Development, investigates how a change in laws affected women's contraceptive use.

To secure a mobile future, Stanford expert creates an auction like no other

SIEPR Senior Fellow Paul Milgrom developed a first-of-its kind system to help the FCC make more broadband spectrum available for mobile devices.

Federal budget expert, former policymaker blasts failed politics for lack of economic progress

In her SIEPR Prize acceptance speech, Alice Rivlin let loose on the political gridlock she says is keeping the American economy from reaching its fullest potential.

Society needs to better understand the economics of climate change

Gaps in social science knowledge of climate change constrain the policy impact of natural science research, a Stanford team argues.

Where you live and how much you make play big roles in how long you live

SIEPR Senior Fellow Raj Chetty found that the link between income and life expectancy varies from one area to another within the United States.

Raj Chetty on inequality, social mobility and breaking the cycle of poverty

As the topic of income inequality reverberates across America, Raj Chetty’s research is helping ground the political rhetoric.

Leaders in policy, business and research gather for SIEPR Summit

The daylong event showcased a wide range of perspectives on topics like inequality, energy and productivity. We even drilled into the business of professional basketball.

Large companies reduce costs by opting out of workers’ compensation for private plans

SIEPR Senior Fellow Alison Morantz finds company costs drop by about 44 percent when they replace workers’ compensation with private plans for job-related injuries and illnesses.

Larry Summers and Stanford’s Paul Wise address threats of global pandemics

A renowned economist and pediatrician come together to discuss the need to prepare for crises like Ebola and Zika.

Calculating the Costs of Climate Change

Marshall Burke, a SIEPR faculty fellow, is studying how rising temperatures impact global output.

Lessons from the Marshall Plan for Modern Development Aid

One of our graduate student fellows finds new applications for old lessons learned in the wake of World War II.

After the Paris Agreement, what’s next for climate change policy?

Climate change experts gathered at SIEPR to discuss ramifications of the historic accord reached in December.

Unemployment higher for men than women who grow up poor

Stanford economist and SIEPR Senior Fellow Raj Chetty finds that boys who grow up poor are less likely to work than girls who grow up poor.

Federal budget expert Alice Rivlin awarded 2016 SIEPR Prize

Rivlin is the fourth recipient of the $100,000 biennial prize, awarded by SIEPR. She was cited for her dedication to enhancing economic policy in order to improve people's lives.

Why credit access isn’t making farmers richer in rural India

It’s easy for Indian farmers to get the credit they need to buy seeds and fertilizer. But those loans aren’t doing much to lift them out of poverty.

Measuring economic strength with quality of life

When it comes to evaluating a country’s economic welfare, Pete Klenow suggests looking beyond how much people are producing and buying.

Understanding the US wage gap

Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom shows there’s more to the income disparity story than the fat salaries of American CEOs.

Education, HIV, and Early Fertility in Kenya

HIV/AIDS is the number one cause of death in Kenya, and the country’s teen pregnancy rates are more than double the global average.

At Stanford, Fed official urges cautious approach to rate hikes

Lael Brainard spells out the “new normal” in response to the 2008 financial crisis.

Former White House budget chief talks health care at Stanford

Peter Orszag answers the political threats to repeal the Affordable Care Act with a clear message: No matter the outcome on Election Day, the law is here to stay.

On Capitol Hill, Duggan weighs in on disability fund