Mikhail Drugov

Mikhail Drugov is a Professor at the New Economic School (NES), holding the SAFMAR Foundation-supported position, and serves as Deputy Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. He is also a Research Fellow at the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). With a distinguished academic career spanning multiple international institutions, Drugov contributes significantly to economic theory and its practical applications.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Economics, University of Toulouse (2006, with highest honors)
• Master's degree, New Economic School and Higher School of Economics (2001)
• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Higher School of Economics (1999)

Professor Drugov's research focuses on the intersection of theoretical and applied economics, particularly examining how incentive structures shape human behavior in competitive environments. His work in contract theory explores the design of optimal agreements under information asymmetry, while his corruption studies analyze both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence of corrupt practices. His competition theory research investigates how luck, noise, and prize structures influence effort in tournaments, with significant implications for understanding winner-take-all markets. Notably, his work demonstrates how heavy-tailed distributions of luck can paradoxically reduce competitive intensity when participant numbers increase.

His publication portfolio reveals a consistent focus on tournament theory, corruption economics, and experimental approaches to understanding strategic behavior. Drugov's research often bridges theoretical models with real-world applications, particularly in understanding how institutions can be designed to minimize corruption and optimize competitive incentives. His work on corruption distinguishes between centralized and decentralized forms, explaining why some high-corruption countries still achieve economic growth.

As an educator, Drugov teaches Industrial Organization Theory, Microeconomics 2, and Information Economy courses at NES. His academic leadership extends to his role as Deputy Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, where he shapes educational policy and academic standards at the institution. His research has been published in top economics journals including Journal of Economic Theory, Theoretical Economics, and Games and Economic Behavior, demonstrating both theoretical rigor and practical relevance.