description Benjamin Olken Overview
Benjamin Olken is an American development economist and a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He serves as the director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a global research center focused on poverty alleviation. His empirical research heavily utilizes randomized controlled trials to investigate institutions, taxation, and political economy, conducting extensive field experiments in countries such as Indonesia.
insights Ranking position
Benjamin Olken ranks #175 of 253 in the Economist ranking, behind Chad Syverson, ahead of Arnaud Costinot.
help Benjamin Olken FAQ
What university is Benjamin Olken affiliated with?
Benjamin Olken is an American development economist and a prominent professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He operates within the institution's economics department.
What major research institution does Benjamin Olken direct?
Olken serves as the director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). This global research center is focused on poverty alleviation through randomized controlled trials.
What type of research is Benjamin Olken known for?
His empirical research heavily utilizes field experiments and randomized evaluations to study the impact of economic policies in developing countries. He has published extensive work on topics like taxation, governance, and corruption.
What are some specific topics Benjamin Olken has studied regarding governance?
Olken has conducted notable studies on how to reduce corruption in local Indonesian road-building projects and how improving tax collection operates in developing nations. His work frequently explores the intersection of institutions and economic outcomes.
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