Insight Blog

Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann amongst the most influential economists in Switzerland
The new ranking of the most influential economists in Switzerland, which the NZZ compiled in cooperation with the German FAZ and the Austrian “Presse”, was recently published. The ranking consists of the categories “Research”, “Media”, “Politics” and “Social Media”. At 20th rank is our institute director Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann, who scored highly in the categories “Research” and “Media Quotes”.
A total of 40 economists are represented in the ranking, who are among the most influential experts in Switzerland. In 20th place is our institute director Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann, who is honored with high points for his research achievements and media presence. The ranking is headed by behavioural economist Ernst Fehr (University of Zurich), followed by political economist Reiner Eichenberger (University of Fribourg). The most influential female economist was again Monika Bütler from the University of St. Gallen. The economic politician has for years been highly respected in the media and politics, and is currently a member of the Expert Group on Economics of the Swiss Covid 19 Task Force. Other professors from the University of St. Gallen are also among the 40 most influential economists to whom the Swiss pay attention: Martin Eling, Reno Föllmi and Simon Evenett.
Why the ranking? The NZZ Ranking was born based on the idea that science should not only produce research output relevant for the research community, but that knowledge should ultimately serve the society. After all, a co-funding public has a certain claim to receive “something in return”. Since 2014, the NZZ has been awarding annual prizes to those scientists who live up to this expectation by contributing to the public debate. This joint project with the German “FAZ” and the Austrian “Presse” acknowledges research performance – which accounts for half of the maximum number of points that can be achieved. However, equally important is the extent to which the economists are involved in the media dialogue, inspire politicians with their arguments, or influence the debates in the social networks.
Click here for the ranking.
Reference
Die vollständige Rangliste des «Ökonomen-Einfluss-Rankings» 2020
in: NZZ, 24.09.2020
(Karin Hofer)