Harry van Dalen

Harry van Dalen is a full Professor of Economics at Tilburg University and a senior research associate at NIDI (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute) within the department of Work & Retirement. He serves as the managing editor of Demos and was previously the managing editor of Me Judice, a Dutch webforum for economists. His academic career spans multiple prestigious institutions including the Tinbergen Institute, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and advisory roles with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Scientific Council for Government Policy, and the Council of Economic Advisors.

His research interests span labor economics, pension economics, migration studies, history of economic thought, bibliometrics, and the sociology of science. His work particularly emphasizes population economics, social security systems, pension dynamics, and public choice theory. He has pioneered research on how aging populations affect labor markets, pension systems, and broader economic structures, often incorporating behavioral insights into traditional economic models.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on contemporary demographic challenges, including population aging, pension system reforms, migration dynamics, and labor market adaptations. His research demonstrates how demographic shifts intersect with economic decision-making at both individual and institutional levels, with particular attention to behavioral factors that influence pension planning, retirement decisions, and migration patterns.

Professor van Dalen has maintained an exceptionally productive research career with over 100 publications spanning two decades. His work bridges academic research with practical policy applications, as evidenced by his columns in de Volkskrant and Zin Magazine where he translates complex economic concepts for broader audiences.

He is actively involved in several research projects including the Pension Monitor, studies on delaying retirement, analyses of aging workers in aging societies, and investigations into the implications of flexible public pension ages. His work with NIDI places him at the forefront of demographic research in the Netherlands.