Parag Pathak interview on designing theories for the real world

Here's the introduction, click on the link to read more, or to hear the audio recording.

Designing theories for the real world
The AEA interviews 2018 John Bates Clark Medalist Parag Pathak.
by Chris Fleisher

He’s been hailed for pushing the boundaries of market design theory while making it practical to real-world situations.

Parag Pathak is this year’s winner of the John Bates Clark Medal. The 37-year-old MIT professor has worked to improve the assignment of students to public schools, notably in Boston, and also evaluated the impacts of school choice systems on student outcomes.

And while his theoretical work has won him widespread praise, he says his engineering-oriented approach to economics has helped him figure out which problems are of greatest practical importance.  

The AEA spoke with Pathak about his research, the influence of his mentor and former AEA president Al Roth, the criticisms against economic theorists, and the opportunities to shape public policy.

An edited transcript follows and the full-length interview can be heard by clicking on the media player..."