What kind of economists do we want? : from a one-track to a two-track mind

Henrekson, Magnus (author), Jonung, Lars (author), Lundahl, Mats (author)

We explore the challenges facing the current academic training of economists in small European countries such as Sweden. The monolithic focus on publishing in the top-five journals, which prioritizes methodological rigor over problem-driven research, is often a threat to social relevance and policy applicability. This limits pluralism, excludes many talented economists, and fails to prepare graduates for nonacademic positions. We propose a two-track model for PhD training and academic evaluation, emphasizing both traditional research and applied economic policy, tailored to the diverse needs of academia, public administration, and business. We also argue for broader evaluation criteria, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional reforms, including trial lectures and specialized research institutes. By diversifying incentives, we recommend a shift towards socially relevant and more inclusive education and practice in the discipline of economics.

• Language: English
• Keywords: criteria for hiring and promotion, European economics, pluralism, research productivity
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.03 - Other scientific articles
• Organization: EF - School of Economics and Business
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: Str. 175-183
• Numbering: Vol. 27, iss. 3, article no. 4
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-173294
• UDC: 005.336.1
• ISSN on article: 2335-4216
• DOI: 10.15458/2335-4216.1359
• COBISS.SI-ID: 248438275
• Publication date in RUL: 15.09.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Economic and business review
• Publisher: Ekonomska fakulteta
• ISSN: 2335-4216
• COBISS.SI-ID: 268649216

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: ekonomsko raziskovanje, zaposlovanje, produktivnost, economic research, employment, productivity