Ben Krause
@benjaminkrause.bsky.social
Exec Director at UChicago's Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI): 'Frontier Research. Global Impact.' My own research is on development and governance, primarily in weak states and ungoverned spaces. Also: SciFi, dad jokes, midwesternisms.
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Ben Krause
@benjaminkrause.bsky.social
· Nov 25
James Robinson, professor at Harris School of Public Policy & this year's econ Nobel winner, joins Ben Krause, Director of BFI, & The Pie host, Tess Vigeland for "An Extra Slice of The Pie." Tune in for an in-depth discussion of James' research, career, and more. bfi.uchicago.edu/insights/an-...
An Extra Slice of the Pie, with James Robinson: History, Politics, and the Road to an Economics Nobel | BFI
James Robinson, a University Professor with appointments in both UChicago’s Harris School of Public Policy as well as the Political Science Department in the Division of Social Sciences, is the univer...
bfi.uchicago.edu
Take a listen to my sit down with James Robinson just days after he won the Nobel Prize this year. We're experimenting @beckerfriedman.bsky.social with new formats like this to better highlight the stock of knowledge in Economics. I'd sincerely appreciate feedback, suggestions, and additional ideas!
Total Factor Productivity?
Willingness To Pay?
Why The Face?
Most of these and more now all together on Becker Friedman Institute for Economics' BFI Blackboard!
bfi.uchicago.edu/bfi-blackboa...
Willingness To Pay?
Why The Face?
Most of these and more now all together on Becker Friedman Institute for Economics' BFI Blackboard!
bfi.uchicago.edu/bfi-blackboa...
BFI Blackboard | Becker Friedman Institute
bfi.uchicago.edu
October 17, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Total Factor Productivity?
Willingness To Pay?
Why The Face?
Most of these and more now all together on Becker Friedman Institute for Economics' BFI Blackboard!
bfi.uchicago.edu/bfi-blackboa...
Willingness To Pay?
Why The Face?
Most of these and more now all together on Becker Friedman Institute for Economics' BFI Blackboard!
bfi.uchicago.edu/bfi-blackboa...
An economic 'who done it' with a graphic reveal popping in pink!
The FT featured recent work from Chad Syverson, Ali Hortacsu, and co-authors trying to answer "Why Is Manufacturing Productivity Growth So Low?"
bfi.uchicago.edu/wp-content/u...
The FT featured recent work from Chad Syverson, Ali Hortacsu, and co-authors trying to answer "Why Is Manufacturing Productivity Growth So Low?"
bfi.uchicago.edu/wp-content/u...
October 17, 2025 at 10:54 PM
An economic 'who done it' with a graphic reveal popping in pink!
The FT featured recent work from Chad Syverson, Ali Hortacsu, and co-authors trying to answer "Why Is Manufacturing Productivity Growth So Low?"
bfi.uchicago.edu/wp-content/u...
The FT featured recent work from Chad Syverson, Ali Hortacsu, and co-authors trying to answer "Why Is Manufacturing Productivity Growth So Low?"
bfi.uchicago.edu/wp-content/u...
Do you have kids? Might college be a part of their future?
As someone who tends to overthink and underact on parenting decisions, this write-up (and the underlying research) really hit home.
money.com/saving-for-c...
As someone who tends to overthink and underact on parenting decisions, this write-up (and the underlying research) really hit home.
money.com/saving-for-c...
Why You’re Sabotaging Your Child’s College Fund — Even When You Can Afford It
Many parents underestimate their 529 savings impact despite potential for college costs.
money.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Do you have kids? Might college be a part of their future?
As someone who tends to overthink and underact on parenting decisions, this write-up (and the underlying research) really hit home.
money.com/saving-for-c...
As someone who tends to overthink and underact on parenting decisions, this write-up (and the underlying research) really hit home.
money.com/saving-for-c...
I got to work quite closely with @doctorswithoutborders.org in Port-au-Prince when overseeing the J/P HRO hospitals. In addition to patching up a whole lot of people up from all of the dangers and tragedies that unfolded over those years . . .
October 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
I got to work quite closely with @doctorswithoutborders.org in Port-au-Prince when overseeing the J/P HRO hospitals. In addition to patching up a whole lot of people up from all of the dangers and tragedies that unfolded over those years . . .
A great reminder of why we need more rigorous evidence in public policy! Special shout out to our Emanuele Colonnelli and his findings that corruption is also internally self-defeating and does not actual succeed in greasing the wheels.
voxdev.org/topic/mythbu...
voxdev.org/topic/mythbu...
Mythbusters: Development economics edition
Economic research plays a very useful role in testing our priors and establishing when widely held beliefs turn out to be false.
voxdev.org
October 14, 2025 at 9:43 PM
A great reminder of why we need more rigorous evidence in public policy! Special shout out to our Emanuele Colonnelli and his findings that corruption is also internally self-defeating and does not actual succeed in greasing the wheels.
voxdev.org/topic/mythbu...
voxdev.org/topic/mythbu...
In the hope that sharing this here isn't entirely self-defeating, check out this potential tool for overcoming our collective action problem of excessive social media use . . . brought to you by our own Leonardo Bursztyn.
www.wsj.com/tech/persona...
www.wsj.com/tech/persona...
Essay | How to Get Kids to Give Up Social Media on Their Own
To avoid “fear of missing out,” limiting social media use has to be a communal effort.
www.wsj.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:36 PM
In the hope that sharing this here isn't entirely self-defeating, check out this potential tool for overcoming our collective action problem of excessive social media use . . . brought to you by our own Leonardo Bursztyn.
www.wsj.com/tech/persona...
www.wsj.com/tech/persona...
HUGE congrats to Philippe Aghion who shared the Nobel Prize in Economics this morning!
Philippe and his work with fellow laureate Peter Howitt on "sustained growth through creative destruction” have been instrumental for the Growth Academy co-hosted by
@beckerfriedman.bsky.social & the World Bank
Philippe and his work with fellow laureate Peter Howitt on "sustained growth through creative destruction” have been instrumental for the Growth Academy co-hosted by
@beckerfriedman.bsky.social & the World Bank
October 13, 2025 at 4:24 PM
HUGE congrats to Philippe Aghion who shared the Nobel Prize in Economics this morning!
Philippe and his work with fellow laureate Peter Howitt on "sustained growth through creative destruction” have been instrumental for the Growth Academy co-hosted by
@beckerfriedman.bsky.social & the World Bank
Philippe and his work with fellow laureate Peter Howitt on "sustained growth through creative destruction” have been instrumental for the Growth Academy co-hosted by
@beckerfriedman.bsky.social & the World Bank
I had the opportunity to sit down with Nobel laureate Roger Myerson recently explore some of his ideas like these (our interview will be coming out soon, but in the meantime I wanted to share with you this):
October 13, 2025 at 4:03 PM
I had the opportunity to sit down with Nobel laureate Roger Myerson recently explore some of his ideas like these (our interview will be coming out soon, but in the meantime I wanted to share with you this):
HUGE congratulations to Joel Mokyr who shared the Nobel Prize in economics this morning!
We at Becker Friedman Institute for Economics hosted him just last fall along with Nobel laureates James Robinson and James Heckman as well as Deirdre McCloskey.
We at Becker Friedman Institute for Economics hosted him just last fall along with Nobel laureates James Robinson and James Heckman as well as Deirdre McCloskey.
October 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
HUGE congratulations to Joel Mokyr who shared the Nobel Prize in economics this morning!
We at Becker Friedman Institute for Economics hosted him just last fall along with Nobel laureates James Robinson and James Heckman as well as Deirdre McCloskey.
We at Becker Friedman Institute for Economics hosted him just last fall along with Nobel laureates James Robinson and James Heckman as well as Deirdre McCloskey.
I've already got my copy and am excited to be kicking off this conversation. If you're in Chicago on Oct 29, please join us on campus!
Join us for a special event with Pablo Peña on Human Capital for Humans! 🎉 The first 30 attendees will receive a free copy, with a book signing + reception to follow. RSVP and more information here: https://ow.ly/S8YA50X4tGc
October 10, 2025 at 6:53 PM
I've already got my copy and am excited to be kicking off this conversation. If you're in Chicago on Oct 29, please join us on campus!
I realize #Chicago is in the news quite a bit these days, but in case it might be for reasons other than this one, I want to make sure you know we're building the global hub for #Quantum #Innovation!
#SiliconValleyByTheSweetWaterSeaShore
news.uchicago.edu/story/ground...
#SiliconValleyByTheSweetWaterSeaShore
news.uchicago.edu/story/ground...
Groundbreaking of Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park creates anchor for quantum innovation
Chicago researchers see opportunity to enhance world-leading quantum ecosystem with state- of-the-art facility on Chicago’s South Side
news.uchicago.edu
October 9, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I realize #Chicago is in the news quite a bit these days, but in case it might be for reasons other than this one, I want to make sure you know we're building the global hub for #Quantum #Innovation!
#SiliconValleyByTheSweetWaterSeaShore
news.uchicago.edu/story/ground...
#SiliconValleyByTheSweetWaterSeaShore
news.uchicago.edu/story/ground...
We're all struggling to feel our way through the swamp of AI slop that is flooding the internet. Check out the latest from Alex Imas and Brian Jabarian testing AI detection tools bfi.uchicago.edu/insights/art...
-- spoiler: some solid reasons to check out www.pangram.com if you haven't already.
-- spoiler: some solid reasons to check out www.pangram.com if you haven't already.
Artificial Writing and Automated Detection | Becker Friedman Institute
Generative Artificial Intelligence tools have been adopted faster than any other technology on record, giving rise to writing that is either assisted or entirely completed by Large Language Models (LL...
bfi.uchicago.edu
October 9, 2025 at 8:26 PM
We're all struggling to feel our way through the swamp of AI slop that is flooding the internet. Check out the latest from Alex Imas and Brian Jabarian testing AI detection tools bfi.uchicago.edu/insights/art...
-- spoiler: some solid reasons to check out www.pangram.com if you haven't already.
-- spoiler: some solid reasons to check out www.pangram.com if you haven't already.
The 2010 #earthquake in #Haiti, by some estimates among the largest natural disasters in history, left nearly a million-and-a-half survivors homeless and surrounded by the rubble.
October 9, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The 2010 #earthquake in #Haiti, by some estimates among the largest natural disasters in history, left nearly a million-and-a-half survivors homeless and surrounded by the rubble.
The vicious downward spiral in #Haiti of #instability to #economicStagnation to #violence to #economicIsolation is heart wrenching as I watch what my friends are subjected to.
UN approves larger force to combat Haiti gang violence
The 5,550-strong force will boost a smaller Kenyan-led mission which has so far failed to tackle the crisis.
www.bbc.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The vicious downward spiral in #Haiti of #instability to #economicStagnation to #violence to #economicIsolation is heart wrenching as I watch what my friends are subjected to.
It was quite an honor and a ride to sit down with Jim for this conversation! Take a listen or have a watch and let me know your thoughts.
Nobel laureate Prof. James Heckman explains why ages 0–5 shape lifelong outcomes. From the Perry Preschool Program’s lasting health gains to parent-focused interventions and “dynamic complementarity,” early skills build later ones. Listen and watch now: https://ow.ly/vVHr50X7PFB
The Economics of Early Childhood: Why the First Five Years Matter Most | Becker Friedman Institute
Nobel laureate James Heckman explains why ages zero to five are critical for brain development and lifelong outcomes. He discusses the Perry Preschool Program’s surprising health benefits 35 years later, why low-cost home-visiting programs that engage parents outperform expensive institutional interventions, and how “dynamic complementarity” means early skills beget later skills. Heckman also critiques economics’ Read more...
bfi.uchicago.edu
October 8, 2025 at 9:42 PM
It was quite an honor and a ride to sit down with Jim for this conversation! Take a listen or have a watch and let me know your thoughts.
📢 We're Hiring: Senior Director, Global Communications
at University of Chicago
Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI)
I'm on the look out for an exceptional leader to take forward our global communications strategy!
#hiring #communications #economics #leadership #UChicago #jobs
at University of Chicago
Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI)
I'm on the look out for an exceptional leader to take forward our global communications strategy!
#hiring #communications #economics #leadership #UChicago #jobs
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
October 8, 2025 at 9:13 PM
📢 We're Hiring: Senior Director, Global Communications
at University of Chicago
Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI)
I'm on the look out for an exceptional leader to take forward our global communications strategy!
#hiring #communications #economics #leadership #UChicago #jobs
at University of Chicago
Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI)
I'm on the look out for an exceptional leader to take forward our global communications strategy!
#hiring #communications #economics #leadership #UChicago #jobs
As we're discussing the disparity in educational outcomes around the world today in the Human Capability Initiative, measurement is paramount.
April 14, 2025 at 9:17 AM
As we're discussing the disparity in educational outcomes around the world today in the Human Capability Initiative, measurement is paramount.
If you've not see it yet, check out these conversations I'm hosting on economics at #UChicago!
Introducing An Extra Slice of the Pie—a new segment of The Pie podcast! Hosted by BFI Executive Director @benjaminkrause.bsky.social, it delves into core economic ideas through conversations with UChicago faculty.
You won't want to miss this🥧🎧: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wx_...
You won't want to miss this🥧🎧: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wx_...
The Pie: University of Chicago Economics Podcast | Becker Friedman Institute
Economists are always talking about The Pie – how it grows and shrinks, how it’s sliced, and who gets the biggest shares. Join host Tess Vigeland as she talks with leading economists from the Universi...
bfi.uchicago.edu
April 14, 2025 at 9:01 AM
If you've not see it yet, check out these conversations I'm hosting on economics at #UChicago!
Having a great time back in #SaudiArabia speaking at the Human Capability Initiative emphasizing the need for more collaborations between innovators, implementers, and researchers to advance both evidence-based policy and policy-based evidence.
#HCI2025 #BeyondReadiness
#HCI2025 #BeyondReadiness
April 14, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Having a great time back in #SaudiArabia speaking at the Human Capability Initiative emphasizing the need for more collaborations between innovators, implementers, and researchers to advance both evidence-based policy and policy-based evidence.
#HCI2025 #BeyondReadiness
#HCI2025 #BeyondReadiness
In case you missed the launch of Anthropic's new Economic Index, here's a great summary from Axios highlighting the primary takeaways:
www.axios.com/2025/02/10/a...
www.axios.com/2025/02/10/a...
Exclusive: Anthropic mines its data on real AI use
The research shows more users collaborating with AI than automating tasks.
www.axios.com
February 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
In case you missed the launch of Anthropic's new Economic Index, here's a great summary from Axios highlighting the primary takeaways:
www.axios.com/2025/02/10/a...
www.axios.com/2025/02/10/a...
I'm very excited about this initiative and in particular the contributions of @beckerfriedman.bsky.social scholars especially Anders Humlum, as well as Michael Kremer
@devinnovationlab.bsky.social and John List @johnlist.bsky.social. More to come!
www.anthropic.com/economic-index
@devinnovationlab.bsky.social and John List @johnlist.bsky.social. More to come!
www.anthropic.com/economic-index
February 10, 2025 at 2:51 PM
I'm very excited about this initiative and in particular the contributions of @beckerfriedman.bsky.social scholars especially Anders Humlum, as well as Michael Kremer
@devinnovationlab.bsky.social and John List @johnlist.bsky.social. More to come!
www.anthropic.com/economic-index
@devinnovationlab.bsky.social and John List @johnlist.bsky.social. More to come!
www.anthropic.com/economic-index
I work on using research, specifically the scientific method, to improve policy in general and programs in poor counties specifically. So until the last few weeks, most of my engagements with USAID involved me critiquing their work so to get better results for people living in poverty.
Gutting USAID threatens billions of dollars for U.S. farms, businesses
U.S. businesses that sold goods and services to USAID are in limbo, including American farms dealing in rice, wheat and soybeans.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 7, 2025 at 6:26 AM
I work on using research, specifically the scientific method, to improve policy in general and programs in poor counties specifically. So until the last few weeks, most of my engagements with USAID involved me critiquing their work so to get better results for people living in poverty.
Listen to Presidents of both our political parties stretching back to JFK remind us why #USAID embodies the best of America as you watch the work in action around the world.
vimeo.com/1052680025?s...
vimeo.com/1052680025?s...
Save USAID: The Greatest Agency You Never Knew
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created by President Kennedy in 1961 in a spirit of optimism and global collaboration and as a…
vimeo.com
February 7, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Listen to Presidents of both our political parties stretching back to JFK remind us why #USAID embodies the best of America as you watch the work in action around the world.
vimeo.com/1052680025?s...
vimeo.com/1052680025?s...
I've personally spent a bit of time with Elon Musk many years back. Far from impressive or bright, I was struck by how pitiably immature, insecure and incurious he came across.
February 5, 2025 at 1:56 PM
I've personally spent a bit of time with Elon Musk many years back. Far from impressive or bright, I was struck by how pitiably immature, insecure and incurious he came across.
One danger of uninformed action & centralized authority on this scale is that even allegedly unintended steps cost unimaginable numbers of human lives. Even the emergency aid that they didn't mean to stop can't restart bc no one's left with authority to restart it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/h...
Health Programs Shutter Around the World After Trump Pauses Foreign Aid
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2025 at 1:38 AM
One danger of uninformed action & centralized authority on this scale is that even allegedly unintended steps cost unimaginable numbers of human lives. Even the emergency aid that they didn't mean to stop can't restart bc no one's left with authority to restart it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/h...