Michael Jacobs

Michael Jacobs is Professor of Political Economy at the University of Sheffield and Professorial Fellow at the Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute (SPERI). His work bridges economics, political theory, and climate policy, focusing on post-neoliberal paradigm shifts, green transitions, and social democratic thought. He has held significant roles in policy and academia, including Director of the IPPR Commission on Economic Justice and Special Adviser to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

• BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford
• Postgraduate Diploma in Employment and Planning from Middlesex Polytechnic

His research explores the intersection of economic theory and policy, particularly the compatibility of growth with environmental sustainability. Recent work includes analyses of the OECD’s new economic approaches and the political economy of COP29. He co-founded the Economic Change Unit to promote progressive economic strategies.

He teaches modules on policy making, political economy, and political theory, emphasizing practical application. He supervises PhD and postgraduate students in policy-related areas and supports researcher engagement at SPERI.