paul romer

Paul Romer, an esteemed American economist and policy entrepreneur, has left an indelible mark on the fields of economic growth and innovation. Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1955, Romer’s early fascination with science and mathematics evolved into a passion for economics. He pursued his academic journey at the University of Chicago, where he initially studied mathematics and physics before earning his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Romer’s illustrious career has been marked by influential roles in academia and public service. He held professorships at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and New York University, and served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and a director of the Stern School of Business at NYU.

In 2016, Romer assumed the position of Senior Vice President of the World Bank, where he played a pivotal role in shaping new policy approaches emphasizing innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic competitiveness. His tenure highlighted the crucial role of investing in human capital, particularly through education and skills training.

Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to endogenous growth theory, Romer’s exceptional work earned him the 2018 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, shared with William Nordhaus. Notably, he coined the term “mathiness,” addressing the misuse of mathematics in economic research.

Romer’s accolades include the MacArthur “Genius Grant” fellowship in 2002, reflecting his innovative thinking and contributions to economic thought. Widely recognized as one of the most influential economists of his generation, Romer continues to shape economic policy and research globally in his current role as a University Professor in Economics at Boston College, further solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the field.