Pedro Bento

Pedro Bento is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on understanding productivity differences between rich and poor nations, with emphasis on small unproductive establishments in developing countries, barriers to market entry, and the interplay between competition and innovation. Bento’s work also addresses gender gaps in entrepreneurship and the implications of financial frictions on firm size and productivity.

His research interests span macroeconomics, economic development, competition policy, and entrepreneurship. He explores how institutional factors such as patent protection, trade policies, and financial constraints shape economic outcomes. Recent work examines racial disparities in entrepreneurship and the welfare implications of entry barriers for marginalized groups.

Bento’s articles analyze topics including nonemployer firms’ role in business dynamism, gender disparities in entrepreneurial activity, and cross-country comparisons of firm size and productivity. His 2023 study on black entrepreneurship barriers, for instance, highlights systemic challenges affecting economic inclusion. He also contributes to policy-relevant research on patent systems and trade without scale effects.

No scientific awards are listed, but his extensive publication record reflects engagement with major journals and interdisciplinary themes. Advising and grants details are not specified in the provided texts. His research often intersects with policy design, aiming to improve economic efficiency and equity through institutional reforms.