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Michael Mandel

Vice President and Chief Economist

Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelMandel

Dr. Michael Mandel is Vice President and Chief Economist at the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington DC. He was chief economist at BusinessWeek prior to its purchase by Bloomberg.

With experience spanning policy, academics, and business, Dr. Mandel has helped lead the public conversation about the economic and business impact of technology for the past two decades. Mandel’s seminal analysis showing how ecommerce creates jobs and reduces inequality was featured by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, and Financial Times, among others.

Mandel argues that Americans suffer from too little innovation, rather than too much. More innovation, especially in “physical” industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, will raise wages and create more good jobs. His current work focuses on the economic benefits of digital manufacturing; job creation by ecommerce and 5G; pharmaceutical pricing and innovation; and regulation of cross-border data flows. He spearheads PPI’s “Investment Heroes” annual report, and tracks App Economy jobs around the world.

Mandel has written four books, including the optimistic Rational Exuberance. His economics textbook, Economics: The Basics, is in its fourth edition. He received a PhD in economics from Harvard University, and taught at NYU’s Stern School of Business.

Recent Work

Publication  |  September 16, 2026

Investment Heroes 2026: Getting Big Things Done

  • Michael Mandel Andrew Fung
In the News  |  September 16, 2026

AI Buildout Propels Tech Firms to Top of US Investment Ranking: Study

  • Michael Mandel
Blog  |  September 15, 2026

Mandel and Pearson on Radically Pragmatic: At Least AI Isn’t Killing Jobs — Yet

  • Michael Mandel Michael Pearson
Blog  |  August 20, 2026

The Next Phase of the AI Revolution

  • Michael Mandel
Blog  |  August 18, 2026

An Update on EU App Economy Jobs

  • Michael Mandel
Blog  |  July 28, 2026

Who is Hiring Medicaid Recipients?

  • Michael Mandel
Op-Ed  |  July 27, 2026

Guenther and Mandel for Florida Today: Florida’s space play offers a roadmap for beating China

  • Mary Guenther Michael Mandel
Press Release  |  June 25, 2026

New PPI Report Warns Delivery Regulations Could Disrupt Markets That Benefit Millions

  • Michael Mandel Andrew Fung
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