John Austin

John Austin serves as a Lecturer on the Economy at the University of Michigan while directing the Michigan Economic Center and holding Non-Resident Senior Fellow positions at the Brookings Institution, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and Upjohn Institute. His work focuses on advancing economic transformation in Michigan, the American Midwest, and industrial heartlands of Western democracies through policy research and network-building initiatives.

He earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelors in Economics & Political Science from Swarthmore College, graduating with High Honors and Phi Beta Kappa membership. His educational background underpins his expertise in economic policy formulation and implementation.

Research interests center on economic transformation frameworks, regional development strategies, and public policy innovation, with particular emphasis on revitalizing industrial regions through evidence-based solutions. His interdisciplinary approach bridges academic theory and practical governance challenges in post-industrial economies.

Key honors include:

• High Honors (Swarthmore College)
• Phi Beta Kappa

Though not explicitly detailed in the source, his leadership roles suggest significant grant-funded initiatives and policy advisory work, particularly through the Michigan Economic Center’s network-building activities. His 16-year tenure on the Michigan State Board of Education, including six years as President, demonstrates sustained engagement with educational and economic policymaking.

He directs the Michigan Economic Center as a primary operational hub, leveraging cross-institutional partnerships with Brookings, Chicago Council, and Upjohn Institute to execute research and policy implementation projects targeting regional economic renewal.