Robert Townsend

Professor Robert Townsend is the Elizabeth & James Killian Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Network Member. His research spans theoretical and applied economics, focusing on general equilibrium models, contract theory, and mechanism design.

Education:

• B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) from Duke University (1970)
• Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota (1975)

Townsend initially contributed to foundational theories such as costly state verification, the revelation principle, and optimal multi-period contracts. Recently, he has shifted focus to analyzing financial systems in developing economies through applied dynamic general equilibrium models and contract theory. His work addresses economic development, human capital acquisition, and occupational choice.