Suzanne Berger

Suzanne Berger is an Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Department of Political Science. She serves as the founding faculty director of MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) and is a faculty co-director of the Initiative for New Manufacturing, as announced in May 2025. Her position as Institute Professor represents one of the highest honors MIT bestows on its faculty members, recognizing exceptional scholarship and contributions to the institution.

Berger's research focuses on political economy with special attention to France and Italy, examining the effects of globalization on European politics and labor. Her work explores how globalization impacts institutions and investigates the historical dimensions of globalization in France. She has made significant contributions to understanding how different countries and companies compete in the global economy, with particular emphasis on manufacturing and innovation systems.

Her scholarly output reveals a consistent trajectory examining the political consequences of economic globalization, with recent work focusing on populism and political representation in contemporary Europe. Berger's publications demonstrate her expertise in connecting historical perspectives on globalization with contemporary political challenges, particularly how economic changes affect political representation and fuel populist movements. Her research bridges academic analysis with practical policy considerations regarding industrial strategy and economic competitiveness.

Berger maintains an active role in shaping MIT's global initiatives through her leadership in MISTI and the Initiative for New Manufacturing. Her work connects academic research with practical applications for understanding how nations and companies can thrive in the global economy, with particular attention to the American manufacturing sector and its relationship to innovation systems.