Prof. Daron Acemoglu

On June 17, 2025, world-renowned economist and Nobel Laureate in Economics Prof. Daron Acemoglu will visit Bulgaria at the invitation of the Green Transition Forum and Dir.BG, to deliver one of the country's most significant public lectures ever hosted.This event is a rare opportunity to hear live from one of the most influential thinkers in modern economics — MIT professor, bestselling author, and one of the world’s most cited economists. Ticket sales module from Bilet.bg Who is Professor Daron Acemoglu? Professor Daron Acemoglu is one of the most influential contemporary economists, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to institutional economics, economic growth, political economy, and inequality. Born on 3 September 1967 in Istanbul, Turkey, to a family of Armenian heritage, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of York (UK) and earned his PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE). Since 1993, Professor Acemoglu has taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he currently holds the prestigious title of Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics. In 2019, he was also awarded the distinction of Institute Professor, the highest academic honour bestowed at MIT, reserved for scholars with extraordinary contributions to their fields. Major Works and Publications Daron Acemoglu is the author and co-author of several internationally acclaimed books that have had a profound impact both in academic circles and in shaping public policy and discourse:"Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty" (2012, co-authored with James A. Robinson) – Arguably his most widely known work, this book argues that it is institutions—not culture, geography, or natural resources—that determine the long-term economic success of nations."The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty" (2019, with James A. Robinson) – Explores the delicate balance between state authority and civil society as a precondition for liberty and the stability of democracies."Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity" (2023, with Simon Johnson) – Examines the complex relationship between technological innovation and inequality, and why progress does not automatically lead to broadly shared prosperity. Awards and Recognition Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2024) – Awarded jointly with James A. Robinson and Simon Johnson for their comparative analysis of institutions and the root causes of inequality and prosperity across nations and empires. John Bates Clark Medal (2005) – Presented to the most outstanding American economist under the age of 40.In 2015, he was named the most cited economist in the world over the previous decade, according to data from Research Papers in Economics (RePEc).According to the Open Syllabus Project, Acemoglu ranks as the third most frequently assigned author in university economics courses in the United States, following Greg Mankiw and Paul Krugman. Research Interests Professor Acemoglu’s research explores the interplay between institutions, technological development, and economic performance. He is known for his institutional approach, which emphasises that effective governance, the rule of law, and stable political frameworks are essential for achieving sustainable development. Influence and Views Often described as a centrist in economic thought, Acemoglu advocates for a strong yet accountable role of the state, public investment in education and infrastructure, and inclusive social policies aimed at reducing inequality. He believes that technological progress should be managed democratically, ensuring that its benefits are widely shared rather than concentrated in the hands of a few. Public Engagement Professor Acemoglu frequently participates in global forums, economic conferences, and academic debates. His insights and analyses have shaped the thinking of policymakers, international institutions such as the World Bank, the OECD, and the United Nations, as well as a new generation of economists and innovators. Professor Daron Acemoglu is not just a scholar—he is a visionary, combining deep theoretical knowledge with a pragmatic understanding of the world’s most pressing economic and social challenges. "Who will own the future" - The first public lecture of prof. Daron Ademoglu in Bulgaria Ticket sales module from Bilet.bg