Jan Eeckhout

Jan Eeckhout, a Professor of Economics at Pompeu Fabra University, shares insights into the dramatic rise in company markups from 17% in 1980 to nearly 60% by 2020. He discusses the challenges in calculating these figures and examines how tech firms are central to this shift. The conversation highlights the detrimental impact of monopolies on innovation, revealing a concerning drop in start-up rates. Eeckhout also addresses the complexities of digital firms, navigating their dual roles in both enhancing and hindering market competition.

Jan Eeckhout, a research professor at the Barcelona School of Economics and author of The Profit Paradox, discusses the alarming trend of rising monopolies and their impact on the economy. He explains the profit paradox, where a few firms accumulate immense profits while many struggle. Jan highlights evidence of growing market power, driven by digital technology and lackluster antitrust enforcement. He advocates for policies like interoperability to promote competition and examines the negative effects on wages and innovation, urging for more equitable market practices.

Jan Eeckhout, an author and economist, explores the paradox of market success in 'The Profit Paradox.' He explains how thriving firms can actually hinder job creation and exacerbate economic inequality. Eeckhout discusses the monopolistic practices of large companies and their detrimental effects on competition and innovation. He advocates for thoughtful regulation, especially in the age of AI, to promote fair competition and safeguard the labor market. Ultimately, he offers an optimistic vision for balancing economic growth with social equity.