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.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used for political advice. We study an AI that is better informed about a payoff-relevant state and cares both about accuracy and about the perceived welfare of the individual it advises. The AI then has an...
The classic literature argues that a large middle class is a prerequisite for economic development. Is this true when AI progress threatens to disrupt the labor market? On the one hand, uncertainty about the consequences can impede the passage of...
Hunt Allcott, Amy Finkelstein, Anna Grummon, and Matthew Notowidigdo
As of July 2026, 23 states had approved policies that disallow spending of SNAP benefits on sugary drinks. The effects of such restrictions on consumption are unclear, however, since most households can simply switch to buying sugary drinks with non-SNAP...
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.
In the United States, regulators inspect nursing homes to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and other standards. While these inspections...
BFI Data Studio·Nov 6, 2025
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...
Topics:
Wealth250
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...
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.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used for political advice. We study an AI that is better informed about a payoff-relevant state and cares both about accuracy and about the perceived welfare of the individual it advises. The AI then has an...
The classic literature argues that a large middle class is a prerequisite for economic development. Is this true when AI progress threatens to disrupt the labor market? On the one hand, uncertainty about the consequences can impede the passage of...
Hunt Allcott, Amy Finkelstein, Anna Grummon, and Matthew Notowidigdo
As of July 2026, 23 states had approved policies that disallow spending of SNAP benefits on sugary drinks. The effects of such restrictions on consumption are unclear, however, since most households can simply switch to buying sugary drinks with non-SNAP...
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.
