“Acceptance Speech” Frontiers of Knowledge Award 2023 in Economics, Finance and Management

Acceptance speech by Timothy Besley, winner of the 2023 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Economics, Finance and Management, who was honored alongside Torsten Persson and Guido Tabellini for their pioneering contributions to understanding the relationship between political institutions and economic outcomes. Their research has transformed modern political economy by combining theoretical models and empirical evidence to explain how political decisions shape economic development.

Besley reviews his major research on political incentives, electoral competition and the influence of the media on government responsiveness to public needs. He highlights his studies on state capacity and the role of institutions in economic development, as well as the importance of incorporating social values into the analysis of public policy. He also emphasizes the value of scientific collaboration in advancing our understanding of the interactions between economics, politics and society.