The signature event is presented by the Economics Department, the Center for Economic Education, and the School of Public A airs. The Winter Institute has a distinguished history of bringing the country’s most notable thought leaders in Economics to campus.
Th e 2017 Winter Institute theme was “Ideas and Innovation” and was designed to stir up interest and create opportunities to highlight local and regional innovation throughout the two-day event. The Winter Institute is supported by generous event sponsors and donors
making gifts to the Foundation.
Deirdre McCloskey, renowned economist, headlined the event with “Liberal Ideas, Not Capital or Institutions, Make Us Rich.” Her keynote address pushed students and attendees to challenge traditional economic assumptions as she made the case that it’s really innovative ideas that propel economic growth rather than the traditional view of growth solely stemming from institutions, resources and capital. McCloskey also offered multiple other talks over the two days and offered a salon-style session where she met and discussed economics and ideas with approximately 30 students.
