Dr. Bruno Frey stands as a distinguished political economist whose pioneering work has significantly expanded the boundaries of economic science. He currently serves as Permanent Visiting Professor at the University of Basel, a position he has held since August 2015, following his distinguished tenure as Professor of Economics at the University of Zurich from 1977 to 2012. Educated at the University of Basel and Cambridge University, Frey completed his habilitation in 1969 and established himself as an extraordinary professor at Basel from 1970 to 2010, building a remarkable career that also included positions at the University of Konstanz and visiting professorships at Warwick Business School and Zeppelin University. His scholarly journey has been marked by intellectual courage, particularly following his controversial departure from the University of Zurich in 2012, which only strengthened his commitment to interdisciplinary economic research.
Frey's groundbreaking contributions have transformed economics by integrating insights from political science, psychology, and sociology, creating what he terms 'Political Economics' as a distinct field of study. His seminal work on motivation and 'crowding effects' has reshaped understanding of how extrinsic incentives can undermine intrinsic motivation, influencing policy design worldwide. The economist has pioneered innovative approaches to corporate governance, including his controversial yet influential proposals for rotating CEOs and focused random selection in leadership. His research spans diverse areas from happiness economics to the economics of art and culture, with over forty books and numerous publications across disciplinary boundaries that challenge conventional economic thinking. Frey's integration of behavioral insights into traditional economic models has made him a foundational figure in what would later be recognized as behavioral economics.
Beyond his publications, Frey has profoundly influenced the academic landscape through his leadership of CREMA (Center for Research in Economics, Management and the Arts) and CREW (Center for Research in Economics and Well-Being), fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars. As the long-serving Managing Editor (1969-2015) and current Honorary Editor of Kyklos, he has shaped economic discourse for over five decades while championing innovative approaches to scholarship. His recent publications, including 'Automated Democracy' (2024) and 'Mehr Demokratie wagen' (2023), demonstrate his enduring relevance in addressing contemporary challenges through economic analysis. Frey's support for the 2016 Charter of Digital Fundamental Rights underscores his commitment to applying economic principles to emerging societal issues, ensuring his intellectual legacy continues to evolve with the changing world.
