The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community, uniting researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the...
Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economics research could help improve the world, BFI works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact.
The Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The program offers unique research and professional training opportunities at the University of Chicago.
Expanding Discovery in Economics+ (EDE+) brings together a diverse group of early undergraduate students to hone their research abilities and technical skills.
This chapter presents a tractable framework for the study of technology adoption and diffusion in the context of economic development. Firms in countries behind the world technology frontier can rapidly adopt new techniques from the world frontier. Lower absorptive capacity...
Many ideas show remarkable returns in small-scale trials but often disappoint when scaled to broader populations and contexts. Using early childhood investment as a case study, this study develops a dynamic human capital formation model that integrates complementary skill investment...
We compare the lending technology of direct lenders, banks, and finance companies using a unique data set on secured borrowing by the universe of U.S.-based private middle market firms. The borrowers of direct lenders are distinct relative to those of...
Captivating and informative videos on the latest insights and trends as well as the tested stock of knowledge in economics from leaders in academia, policy, business, and the media.
Unlocking the Power of Markets as a New Tool for Regulating Pollution
Michael Greenstone, Rohini Pande, Nicholas Ryan, and Anant Sudarshan
How the world’s first particulate pollution market in India reduced pollution and increased industry profits.
BFI Data Studio·Nov 5, 2025
Explore Historical Manufacturing Data
Richard Hornbeck, Anders Humlum, and Martin Rotemberg
In this project, UChicago and NYU economists Richard Hornbeck, Anders Humlum, and Martin Rotemberg have led efforts to digitize the...
BFI Data Studio·Sep 11, 2025
The Hidden Volatility of American Workers’ Paychecks
Most US workers experience substantial month-to-month fluctuations in pay, even within ongoing employment relationships, leading to fluctuating household consumption and...
BFI Data Studio·Sep 2, 2025
Why Has Regional Income Convergence in the U.S. Declined?
Income gaps between states have stopped narrowing at the same time that rising housing costs—linked to increased zoning restrictions—have reshaped...
BFI Data Studio·Aug 1, 2025
Building Costs and House Prices
New research challenges the common belief that construction costs drive housing prices, showing their impact has been modest — and...
BFI Data Studio·May 15, 2025
Separation of Church and State Curricula? Examining Public and Religious Private School Textbooks
Anjali Adukia and Emileigh Harrison
Public school textbooks from Texas and California contain similar content, while religious school textbooks have less female representation, feature lighter-skinned...
BFI Data Studio·Jan 31, 2025
Local Economies, Global Perspective
Illuminating Subnational GDP Worldwide
BFI Data Studio·Aug 21, 2024
Lessons from the Biggest Business Tax Cut in US History
BFI Data Studio·Jun 18, 2024
Trace the Historical Origins of Today’s Federal Student Loan Crisis
The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community, uniting researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the...
Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economics research could help improve the world, BFI works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact.
The Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The program offers unique research and professional training opportunities at the University of Chicago.
Expanding Discovery in Economics+ (EDE+) brings together a diverse group of early undergraduate students to hone their research abilities and technical skills.
This chapter presents a tractable framework for the study of technology adoption and diffusion in the context of economic development. Firms in countries behind the world technology frontier can rapidly adopt new techniques from the world frontier. Lower absorptive capacity...
Many ideas show remarkable returns in small-scale trials but often disappoint when scaled to broader populations and contexts. Using early childhood investment as a case study, this study develops a dynamic human capital formation model that integrates complementary skill investment...
We compare the lending technology of direct lenders, banks, and finance companies using a unique data set on secured borrowing by the universe of U.S.-based private middle market firms. The borrowers of direct lenders are distinct relative to those of...
Captivating and informative videos on the latest insights and trends as well as the tested stock of knowledge in economics from leaders in academia, policy, business, and the media.
