The Berkeley Economy & Society Initiative (BESI) is a Hewlett Foundation-backed research center at UC Berkeley dedicated to political economy. Our researchers apply political economic reasoning to analyze and develop solutions to the major political problems of our time, focusing on urgent topics related to climate change, technology, and capitalism and democracy.
Under the direction of Paul Pierson, John Gross Distinguished Professor of Political Science at UC Berkeley, BESI supports rigorous, original, and above all, practical political economy research that informs and influences public policy. Our research leads and participating faculty are influential scholars in their respective fields and publish regularly in top peer-reviewed journals.
In the spirit of forging collaborations across fields, BESI invites accomplished scholars from a variety of disciplines to share their research with our audiences. We maintain a regular cadence of book talks, lectures, panel discussions, and other events that stimulate productive conversations and improve our collective scholarship.
We also proudly support the Designated Emphasis (DE) in Political Economy at UC Berkeley, which facilitates graduate student participation in vital discussions outside their home disciplines, enhancing dialogues and enabling research at the cutting edge of scholarship.
BESI supports the DE through stipends and grants for research and conferences for students who participate in the program.
Through our research, grants, events, and other activities, BESI aims to promote the conditions that give rise to genuine, widespread, and sustainability prosperity. Hard questions are our starting point.
Research Areas
