Eric S. Maskin

What Are His Conferences Like?

Eric Maskin’s conferences are known for being both educational and accessible despite the complexity of the subjects he covers. Through practical examples and clear explanations, Maskin delves into implementation theory and mechanism design, exploring how markets can function optimally even under imperfect competition or incomplete information. His presentations provide valuable insights for those looking to understand the foundations of modern economics and its application in political and social contexts. Maskin addresses both technical aspects and practical applications of his work, tailoring his presentations to both academic and professional audiences.

Selection of Conferences

Implementation Theory and Mechanism Design

In this conference, Eric Maskin explains implementation theory and how economic or social systems can be designed to maximize efficiency, even when market conditions are less than ideal. He uses simple examples to illustrate complex concepts, showing how this theory can be applied in real-world economic contexts.

The “Invisible Hand” and Its Limitations in the Real Economy

Maskin examines Adam Smith’s classic theory of the “invisible hand” and how, in practice, market conditions are often less perfect than assumed. He addresses how his and other economists’ work has transformed the theory to fit reality, offering mechanisms to correct market failures.

The Role of Incentives in Economic Regulation

This conference explores how incentives and regulations affect market efficiency. Based on his collaboration with economists like Jean-Jacques Laffont, Maskin explains the importance of designing policies and regulatory frameworks that account for conflicts and motivations of economic agents.

Game Theory Applied to Politics and Economics

Eric Maskin presents a practical introduction to game theory, exploring how this theory’s principles are crucial for decision-making in economics and politics. This talk is ideal for those interested in understanding how economic agents interact and how these interactions can be structured to achieve optimal outcomes.