Trade, welfare and equality

On November 5, Yale economist Pinelopi 'Penny' Koujianou Goldberg was honored with the A.SK Social Science Award at an inspiring ceremony in the WZB’s big conference hall. The 10th A.SK Award recognizes her research into the effects of global trade policies on prosperity and inequality. With prize money of €75,000, the A.SK Award is one of the most highly endowed awards in the social sciences worldwide. It has been presented every two years by the WZB, starting in 2007.

In a thought-provoking speech at the A.SK award ceremony, Penny Goldberg reflected on the current backlash against open markets and global tensions. She emphasized that war does not promote welfare and that tension and instability harm the global economy. According to her, developing countries are particularly threatened by current tariff conflicts. Looking to the future, she emphasized that, in the wake of increasing global protectionism, the domestic market and, in particular, the existence of a middle class will play a decisive role in the further development of poorer countries in Africa. Her research thus highlights that political and economic reforms must go hand in hand. Her speech at the award ceremony ended with a clear plea to enable women worldwide to contribute their economic potential to the market. 

Penny Goldberg conducts research and teaches as the William Nordhaus Professor of Economics and Global Affairs at Yale University, where she lectures at the Jackson School of Global Affairs. Her research covers international trade, development economics and industrial economics. Laudator and Former Minister of Finance Jörg Kukies impressively traced her academic career, which has been guided by the principles of scientific excellence and political relevance, citing, among other things, her positions as editor of The American Economic Review and chief economist at the World Bank. 

The A.SK Social Science Award, endowed by Chinese entrepreneurs Angela and Shu Kai Chan, has been presented by the WZB every two years since 2007. It honors researchers in the social sciences who have made an important contribution to the analysis of political and economic reforms. Previous winners include Sir Anthony Atkinson, Martha Nussbaum, Transparency International, Paul Collier, Esther Duflo, John Ruggie, Raj Chetty, James C. Scott, and Daron Acemoğlu.

07/11/25, MP