The field of economics continues to evolve, shaped by the rigorous research and policy insights of leading scholars worldwide. As of January 2026, we present an analysis of the Top 10 Best Economists In The World 2026, based on their profound academic impact and influence. These economists are not only advancing theoretical understanding but are also informing critical policy decisions that affect global economies.

Ranking Criteria for Top Economists

Our ranking draws primarily from the January 2026 update of the RePEc (Research Papers in Economics) database, specifically focusing on its "Top 10% Authors (Last 10 Years Publications)" metric. This methodology prioritizes several key indicators: the h-index, which measures both productivity and citation impact; total citations across an extensive database of over 43 million publications; the volume and quality of recent publications from 2024 to 2026; and the broader policy influence score, often reflected in advisories to international bodies and governments. Economists included in our list consistently achieve an aggregate score placing them within the top 95th percentile globally, signifying sustained excellence.

Data Sources Underpinning Our Analysis

The primary data source for this evaluation is the RePEc database, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of economic scholarship as of January 2026, covering over 2.1 million authors. We also cross-reference information from the Nobel Foundation regarding Nobel Memorial Prizes in Economic Sciences, including awards up to 2025, and Google Scholar for additional citation metrics as of February 2026. Further insights into policy impact are gleaned from various think tank influence indices, ensuring a robust and multi-dimensional assessment of each economist's standing.

The List Of The Top 10 Best Economists In The World 2026:

1. Robert J. Barro

Robert J. Barro stands as a distinguished Professor of Economics at Harvard University and a pivotal figure in new classical macroeconomics. His work consistently explores the fundamental determinants of long-run economic growth, making him a leading voice in the field. He is widely recognized for his pioneering research on the effects of government debt and fiscal policy, including the concept of Ricardian equivalence, which posits that deficits financed by debt have no real effect on aggregate demand under certain conditions. Barro's contributions have also extensively covered the economic impacts of inflation and the role of monetary policy. His extensive body of work, including numerous highly cited articles and books, has significantly shaped modern macroeconomic theory and continues to inform policy discussions at institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. His sustained academic impact over the last decade is reflected by his RePEc Top 10% Authors Rank of 46 globally, with a score of 60.78 as of January 2026. This high ranking is a testament to his prolific output and the enduring influence of his publications on economic thought.

2. Muhammad Umar

Muhammad Umar, affiliated with the Adnan Kassar School of Business at the Lebanese American University, has made significant research contributions primarily within business economics, financial markets, and applied econometrics. His scholarly pursuits help to illuminate complex economic dynamics, often with a regional focus that provides valuable insights into specific market behaviors and challenges. Umar's research emphasizes rigorous quantitative analysis, which is essential for understanding the intricate relationships within modern business contexts. His consistent academic output demonstrates a deep engagement with contemporary economic issues, from market efficiency to corporate financial structures. Umar's strong performance in the RePEc ranking, achieving a global rank of 47 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 62.28, firmly places him among the leading active economists. This position highlights his substantial scholarly output and his growing influence within the economics community over the past ten years, particularly in areas relevant to business and finance.

3. Emmanuel Saez

Emmanuel Saez is a Professor of Economics at the University of California-Berkeley, celebrated for his groundbreaking empirical and theoretical work on income and wealth inequality, optimal taxation, and social welfare. His research often involves extensive data analysis, revealing trends in wealth concentration and the distribution of economic gains over decades. Saez is particularly well-known for his frequent collaborations with other leading economists, notably Thomas Piketty, with whom he has co-authored influential studies that have reshaped public and policy debates on progressive taxation, wealth distribution, and the mechanisms driving economic stratification. His analysis provides crucial insights into how tax policies can either exacerbate or mitigate disparities. Saez's high RePEc rank of 48 among the Top 10% Authors, with a score of 69.43, underscores his status as a leading economist. His extensive publications, especially those focusing on the dynamics of inequality, have garnered widespread attention and citations, solidifying his position as one of the most impactful researchers in the field over the last decade.

4. Kangyin Dong

Kangyin Dong is associated with the School of International Trade and Economics (SITE) at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing, China. Dong's expertise is predominantly in international trade and economic development, with a growing focus that extends to environmental or energy economics. This expansion reflects the increasing relevance of these fields to global trade and sustainable development. His research significantly contributes to understanding the complex interplay between trade policies, economic growth, and resource management, offering vital perspectives on how nations navigate global economic integration. Dong's work is particularly valuable for its insights into China's evolving role in the global economy and its domestic policy challenges related to trade and sustainability. His consistent and high-quality publication record, which addresses critical areas in international economics, has earned him a global RePEc rank of 49 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 71.91. This rank reflects his substantial contributions and growing influence within the academic sphere over the past ten years, especially in the context of emerging economies.

5. Janet Currie

Janet Currie holds a distinguished position as a Professor of Economics at Yale University and is a highly respected research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). She is recognized as a leading health economist, celebrated for her extensive research on child health, the long-term effects of early life conditions, and the profound impact of public policy on health outcomes. Her work frequently employs rigorous empirical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of social programs, such as Medicaid and Head Start, and to assess the influence of environmental factors on health and human capital development. Currie's research has significantly advanced our understanding of health disparities, the intergenerational transmission of health and economic status, and how policy interventions can improve population health. Her insights are crucial for informing effective policy interventions aimed at reducing inequality and improving well-being. Currie's impactful and prolific research in health economics and public policy, leading to numerous highly cited publications, secures her a global RePEc rank of 50 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 73.93. This position highlights her enduring relevance and significant influence on economic research and policy discussions over the past decade.

6. Andrei Shleifer

Andrei Shleifer is a Professor of Economics at Harvard University and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). He is a leading scholar whose work spans several critical areas, including behavioral economics, corporate finance, and the economics of transition. Shleifer is particularly renowned for his contributions to the legal origins theory, which examines the impact of different legal traditions (e.g., common law versus civil law) on economic development, financial markets, and corporate governance. His research on inefficient markets challenges traditional assumptions of rational expectations, providing fresh perspectives on investor behavior, asset pricing anomalies, and the role of arbitrage. His interdisciplinary approach has offered novel insights into market behavior and institutional design across various economies. Shleifer's extensive and impactful contributions across diverse fields of economics, particularly in behavioral finance and institutional economics, are reflected in his RePEc rank of 104 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 123.71. This demonstrates his sustained high level of research productivity and influence over the last decade.

7. Barry Julian Eichengreen

Barry Julian Eichengreen is a Professor of Economics at the University of California-Berkeley and a distinguished economic historian. His specialized focus lies in the history of the international monetary and financial system, providing critical insights into the evolution of global finance. His seminal work offers invaluable lessons for understanding the causes and consequences of financial crises, from the Great Depression to more recent global downturns. Eichengreen's research also meticulously examines the dynamics of exchange rates, the processes of global economic integration, and the challenges of international policy coordination. He is a prolific author of influential books and articles, making complex historical economic events accessible and relevant to contemporary policy debates. His historical perspective is instrumental in informing current economic policy and anticipating future challenges. Eichengreen's prolific research and influential analyses in economic history and international finance have earned him a global RePEc rank of 105 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 124.41. This high standing underscores his ongoing relevance and significant impact on economic scholarship over the past decade.

8. Lawrence F. Katz

Lawrence F. Katz is a Professor of Economics at Harvard University and a prominent labor economist. His research primarily focuses on critical issues such as wage inequality, the profound impact of technological change on employment structures, and the evolving dynamics of the U.S. labor market. Katz has made significant contributions to understanding the causes and consequences of rising income disparities, including the role of skill-biased technological change and the declining influence of labor unions. His work also explores the importance of education and skill premiums in determining individual and aggregate economic outcomes. His rigorous empirical work is instrumental in shaping policy debates on labor market dynamics, social mobility, and effective strategies for workforce development. Katz's sustained high-quality research and extensive publications in labor economics, particularly on critical issues of inequality and technological impact, are recognized by his RePEc rank of 106 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 125.1. This reflects his consistent influence and significant academic output over the last ten years, providing essential data for policymakers.

9. John Haltiwanger

John Haltiwanger is a Professor of Economics at the University of Maryland and a prominent labor economist. He is renowned for his pioneering work on job creation and destruction, business dynamics, and the measurement of economic volatility. His research utilizes detailed micro-level data to understand aggregate labor market trends, providing granular insights into the ebb and flow of employment. Haltiwanger's work also sheds light on the crucial role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and the impact of various policies on firm entry and exit dynamics. His innovative empirical methods have provided a deeper understanding of economic dynamism, challenging traditional views of static labor markets. This research is vital for policymakers seeking to foster innovation, support small businesses, and mitigate economic downturns. Haltiwanger's innovative empirical research and significant contributions to understanding labor market dynamics and firm-level behavior have secured his global RePEc rank of 107 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 127.05. This position highlights his consistent productivity and lasting impact on the field over the past decade.

10. David Dorn

David Dorn is a Professor at the Institut für Volkswirtschaftslehre, Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Zürich, Switzerland. He is widely recognized for his impactful research on the labor market consequences of globalization and technological change. Dorn frequently collaborates with other leading economists, such as David Autor and Gordon Hanson, on highly influential studies, including those examining the "China Shock" phenomenon. This work analyzes how increased imports from China affected U.S. manufacturing employment and wages, providing critical empirical evidence on the costs and benefits of trade. His research also explores how automation and artificial intelligence reshape employment and wage structures in developed economies, offering crucial insights into the future of work. Dorn's work is essential for understanding the distributional effects of global economic integration and technological advancement. Dorn's highly cited work on the effects of trade and technology on labor markets, particularly his empirical contributions to understanding global economic integration, places him among the leading economists with a RePEc rank of 108 among the Top 10% Authors with a score of 129.3. This reflects his significant and ongoing research influence over the last decade.

The Best Economists In The World 2026 represent the cutting edge of economic thought, driving both academic discourse and real-world policy. Their contributions span critical areas from macroeconomic theory and income inequality to health economics and international trade, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the discipline. Focusing on these aspects ensures comprehensive coverage of their work, blending quantitative metrics with tangible real-world impact. While rankings naturally shift each year, reflecting new research and evolving influence, the consistent tracking of databases like RePEc provides an invaluable measure of sustained scholarly excellence.