Zvi Griliches American economist of Jewish descent Date of Birth: 12.09.1930 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Career
3. Contributions to Economics
4. Relationship with the Russian Economic School
5. Later Years
6. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Hirsch Zvi Griliches was born in 1930 in Kaunas, Lithuania, to an assimilated Jewish family of Russian speakers. During World War II, Griliches and his family were interned in the Dachau concentration camp. Only Griliches and his sister survived, while their parents perished.

After the war, Griliches immigrated to Palestine and studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He later moved to the United States, earning his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his doctorate from the University of Chicago.

Academic Career

After receiving his doctorate, Griliches remained at the University of Chicago as a professor. He later joined the faculty of Harvard University, where he taught for 30 years. Griliches served as president of both the Econometric Society and the American Economic Association.

Contributions to Economics

Griliches was a renowned authority in the fields of economics of education and the productivity of labor. He was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal in 1965. His research on the measurement of human capital and the returns to education had a profound impact on economic policy-making.

Relationship with the Russian Economic School

Griliches played a significant role in the founding of the Russian Economic School (RES) in Moscow. He served as a visiting professor at RES and participated in the development of its econometrics curriculum. He also invited Western professors to lecture at RES and helped many of its former students gain admission to universities in the West.

Later Years

In the mid-1990s, Griliches expressed skepticism about the practical value of computers and the Internet. He believed that many uses of computers were frivolous and a waste of time.

Legacy

Griliches passed away on November 4, 1999. His groundbreaking research, particularly in the fields of economics of education and productivity, continues to influence economic thought and policy. The annual "Griliches Lectures" at the Russian Economic School honor his memory and his contributions to the school.