Ivan Werning

Macrotheorist focusing on dynamic macroeconomic theory, optimal taxation issues, labor market dynamics, and more recently, models of business cycles. His contributions frequently provide streamlined proofs that other thinkers can make use of. With Shimer, showed that lengthier unemployment benefits do not stop jobless people from wanting to find work. With Emmanuel Farhi, developed various models of optimal taxation of inheritance and capital, arguing, for example, that government should in some cases subsidize inheritances for children who are not born into wealthy families. Given the stark disparities in fortune entailed by one's birth family, progressive taxes on inheritances could have a positive economic effect. Served as a visiting economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and as a visiting faculty member at Harvard University. Research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research.