Lucio Baccaro

Lucio Baccaro is Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) and was Full Professor of Macrosociology at the University of Geneva, where he also served as Deputy Dean for Research (2016–2020). He has held academic positions at MIT, Case Western Reserve University, and visiting roles at the University of Turin and the University of Vienna. His primary affiliations are with MPIfG and the University of Geneva, both central to his research in political economy and sociology.

Education:

• PhD in Management and Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 1999
• Doctorate in Labor Law and Industrial Relations, University of Pavia, 1997
• Master of Business Administration, Stoa' (IRI-MIT joint venture), 1991
• Laurea in Philosophy, summa cum laude, University "La Sapienza", Rome, 1989

Lucio Baccaro’s research focuses on comparative political economy, labor relations, global worker rights, and deliberative governance. His work integrates economic sociology and political sociology to analyze institutional change, social dialogue, and the impact of globalization on labor and welfare systems. He has led major comparative studies on employment models, pension reforms, and international labor standards. His scholarship emphasizes the interplay between institutions, ideas, and power in shaping economic governance.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on institutional change, deliberative processes, labor market reforms, and global justice. Themes include path dependence in international organizations, the transformation of collective bargaining, and the role of expertise in democratic governance. His interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, political science, and economics, with strong methodological rigor in comparative and qualitative analysis.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Honorary Professor, University of Duisburg-Essen (2023)
• Professeur honoraire, University of Geneva (2020)
• International Geneva Award (2011)
• Outstanding Young Scholar Award, IRRA (2003)
• Founder's Prize, SASE (2001)
• Maurice F. Strong Career Development Chair, MIT (2006–2009)
• Multiple fellowships from SSRC, Harvard, MIT, and CUNY
• Alfiere del Lavoro, awarded by the President of Italy (1984)

Advising and Grants: While specific student advisees are not listed, Baccaro has supervised research and mentored scholars through his roles at MPIfG and the University of Geneva. He has secured substantial research funding, including grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) and the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), supporting projects on post-Fordist growth models, employment policy, and deliberative governance. His leadership in co-principal investigator roles highlights his collaborative research approach and institutional influence.

Labs and Research Teams: As Director at MPIfG, Baccaro leads a major research institute focused on the study of societal and economic institutions. He has been instrumental in shaping research agendas on political economy and governance, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and international scholarly exchange.