The names being mentioned as contenders to win the 2026 Nobel Prize in Economics

Since 1968, the Swedish Central Bank, in memory of Alfred Nobel, has awarded the recognition to those who, in theory or practice, have contributed to the economic sciences. The first were Ragnar Frisch (Norway) and Jan Tinbergen (Netherlands) for their work on the analysis of economic processes, and on Monday, October 12, the name of the person or persons recognized for their work in this area will be announced. One of the predictors is the scientific publication Clarivate Analytics, which since 2002 has recognized 89 people who were later awarded the Nobel Prize in its various categories, as they highlight on their website. During 2025, six Nobel laureates had been previously recognized by Clarivate Analytics, including the winners of the Economics Nobel. Last year, Joel Mokyr (Netherlands), Philippe Aghion (France), and Peter Howitt (Canada) won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics for their work on innovation and "creative destruction." However, these economists had been highlighted by Clarivate Analytics in previous years, not in 2025. Last year, the entity highlighted the work of other economists. In this context, Clarivate Analytics published the names and works that could be recognized both this year and later on. The names of the economists most highlighted for their research this year are: Susan C. Athey and Hal R. Varian "for their pioneering analysis of the economics of information technology." Clarivate Analytics explains that the work of the Americans stands out because "through statistical analysis and data science, these researchers helped create a new digital marketplace that has become an increasingly large and important part of the global economy." The second economist recognized this year is Michael D. Woodford "for his contributions to the theory and practice of monetary policy." The American's work is highlighted because "this research transformed the activity of central banks by emphasizing 'forward guidance' to manage public expectations and inflation dynamics." Finally, Clarivate Analytics highlighted this year the work of fellow American Sidney G. Winter, mainly for studies on "economic dynamism and organizational behavior inspired by evolutionary theory." "Just like species, organizations adapt to their environment and establish survival strategies, with behaviors that do not always conform to the predictions of standard economic theory," said Clarivate Analytics to highlight his work. Whoever is recognized will join the list of 99 people recognized with the Nobel Prize in Economics. In money, nearly one million dollars is awarded. A Less Traditional Method The betting site Kalshi has Ariel Pakes as the main candidate to win the Nobel Prize in Economics this Monday. The Canadian and American expert in industrial organization has a 25% chance of winning according to the site. Pakes was recognized by Clarivate Analytics in 2020, the same year in which Claudia Goldin was also highlighted, who would win the Nobel Prize in 2023 and is the third woman to be recognized in this category. In that edition, the work of the Harvard academic was highlighted "for his BLP model (named after its creators: Berry, Levinsohn and Pakes) of random coefficients for demand estimation." Susan Athey also appears with 15% of the preferences, who was recognized this year by Clarivate Analytics. NEWSLETTER PM Pulse Monday to Friday, 12:30 PM The most relevant news on markets, companies and business: timely information, context and content to make better decisions. By subscribing you are accepting the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies of La Tercera.