Christian Fons-Rosen

Christian Fons-Rosen is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of California (Merced), with prior roles as Associate and Assistant Professor at Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona. His research spans Applied Microeconomics, Innovation, Political Economy, and Labor Economics.

Education:

• B.Sc. in Economics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona (1998–2002)
• M.Sc. in Economics, London School of Economics, London (2002–2003)
• Ph.D. in Economics, London School of Economics, London (2003–2010)

His research investigates policy impacts on innovation networks, partisan bias in resource allocation, and lobbying dynamics. Key findings include:

• Trade liberalization and sectoral shocks propagate through innovation networks, suppressing non-textile patenting by 3–5× the direct textile gains.
• Revolving-door lobbyists lose 24% revenue when their connected Senator exits office, tied to political seniority.
• Shadow lobbyists (unregistered) boost firm revenue by 10–20%, circumventing US Lobbying Disclosure Act thresholds.
• Startup acquisitions raise entrepreneurial incentives but reduce incumbent innovation, lowering growth by 0.03% annually.

Scientific Awards:

• Ramon y Cajal Scholarship (2016)
• Juan de la Cierva Scholarship (2013)
• Best Paper Awards (2013, 2008)
• Multiple scholarships from Fundacion Rafael del Pino, Fundacion Ramon Areces, and Bank of Spain (2002–2007)

He has presented on topics like foreign investment spillovers (2018, Universidad de Navarra) and trade liberalization consequences (2018, University of Bath).