Economist Paul Milgrom - ScienceLives

The speaker shares their journey from a math student in the 1960s to a researcher influenced by William Vickery's work on auctions. Encouraged by Stanford faculty, they transitioned to a doctoral program, focusing on radio spectrum policy. They emphasize the importance of persistence through challenges and the impact of their research on policy. Teaching and the influence of colleagues like Roger Myerson are highlighted. Personal reflections include family influences and meeting their spouse at a Nobel Prize dinner.

What inspired the speaker to pursue research in economics?

• A lecture on radio spectrum policy

• A chemistry set from childhood

• The work of William Vickery

• A business degree

What did the faculty at Stanford encourage the speaker to do?

• Focus on chemistry experiments

• Start a career in San Francisco

• Switch to a doctoral program

• Continue with a business degree

What is the main focus of the speaker's lecture on radio spectrum policy?

• Studying the history of auctions

• Exploring the effects of taxes

• Developing new chemistry experiments

• Improving competition in the industry

What does the speaker emphasize as crucial for success in research?

• Immediate results

• Patience and perseverance

• Avoiding challenges

• Focusing only on theoretical work

Who was a significant influence on the speaker during their first job?

• Roger Meyerson

• William Vickery

• James Merelies

• Their son

What surprises many economists about the speaker's work?

• The focus on empirical research

• The reliance on historical data

• The direct application of microeconomic theory

• The use of chemistry in economics

What type of music does the speaker's son play?

• Country

• Jazz and hip hop

• Rock

• Classical