AI Expert or Inequality Specialist: Who Will Win the Next Economics “Nobel Prize”?
The Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for 2025 will be announced on Monday at 11:45 AM at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. Established in honor of Alfred Nobel, this award concludes the 2025 Nobel season. Various experts suggest that behavioral economics, artificial intelligence, or inequality research may be recognized by the prize committee.
Previous Winners and Their Contributions
The 2024 laureates included Daron Acemoglu, a Turkish-American, and Brit-American researchers Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson. They were awarded for their studies on wealth disparities between nations. Predictions for the 2025 winner remain speculative, as the nomination and selection processes are confidential.
Potential Candidates for the 2025 Prize
- Micael Dahlén, a professor at the Stockholm School of Economics, highlights past winners in information economics. He believes it’s due for recognition again, with Erik Brynjolfsson (USA) as a strong contender.
- Monika Schnitzer (Germany) is another notable candidate specializing in international economics.
- Susan Athey (USA) could also be a contender. Her work examines how new technologies are transforming markets and public policies.
Gender Representation in Economics
The Nobel Prize in Economics has seen only three female laureates among 96 winners. Gender parity remains a concern, even if it does not directly influence selection processes. This year’s Nobel awards included two women: Mary Brunkow, co-winner of the medicine prize, and Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader recognized for peace efforts.
Focus on Inequality Research
For 2025, economists examining wealth inequality might gain recognition. Emmanuel Saez (France/USA) and Thomas Piketty (France) are noted for their cross-national comparisons and open databases, which have clarified how different tax systems can reduce inequalities without hindering economic growth.
Gabriel Zucman (France) may also receive consideration. In 2023, he was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal, often seen as a precursor to the Nobel Prize. Historical data shows that 17% of Clark Medalists eventually received the Nobel.
Other Notable Candidates
- Marianne Bertrand (Belgium), recognized for her work on discrimination.
- Ernst Fehr (Switzerland), an expert in behavioral economics and neuroeconomics.
- George Loewenstein and Colin Camerer (USA), also notable for their contributions to this field.
- Nobuhiro Kiyotaki (Japan) and John H. Moore (UK) for their research on financial frictions influencing economic cycles.
- Robert Barro (USA) for his studies on economic growth.
The Nobel Prize in Economics offers winners a reward of 11 million SEK (approximately 1 million euros), to be shared among multiple recipients when applicable. As speculation builds, the academic community eagerly anticipates the 2025 award announcements.
