Jan Tinbergen (1903-1994) and the Rise of Economic Expertise

Jan Tinbergen was a Nobel Prize-winning economist who developed the theory of economic policy and legitimized economic expertise in service of the state. He synthesized his work after World War II into a theory of economic policy that provided a lasting framework for economic policy and secured a permanent place for economic experts close to government.

Format: Hardback
Length: 484 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Jan Tinbergen, a renowned economist of the 20th century, secured the prestigious Nobel Prize in Economics, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in the field. In his groundbreaking work, the author delves into Tinbergen's profound contribution, emphasizing his theory of economic policy and the establishment of economic expertise as a valuable asset to the state. The book traces the evolution of Tinbergen's youthful socialist ideals, which found political direction in the Plan-socialist movement of the 1930s. Responding to the challenges posed by the Great Depression, Tinbergen developed innovative economic models to address these economic woes.

Following World War II, Tinbergen's intellectual prowess allowed him to synthesize his previous work into a comprehensive theory of economic policy. This theory not only provided a lasting framework for economic policy across the globe but also secured a permanent place for economic experts within government circles. The book then shifts its focus to examining Tinbergen's attempt to replicate this success in the development projects undertaken in the Global South and at the international level for the United Nations. Through a detailed analysis of his endeavors, the author sheds light on Tinbergen's enduring legacy and the profound impact his ideas have had on shaping economic policy and governance worldwide.

Weight: 848g
Dimension: 161 x 235 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108495998