Richard N. Langlois

Richard N. Langlois is a Professor of Economics at the University of Connecticut, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the economics of organizations, institutional dynamics, and business history. Langlois holds a Ph.D. in Engineering-Economic Systems from Stanford University (1981), alongside degrees in Astronomy, Physics, and English. He has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Schumpeter Prize (2006) and the Alice Hanson Jones Prize (2023). His seminal works include The Dynamics of Industrial Capitalism (2007) and The Corporation and the Twentieth Century (2023), which explore the evolution of corporate structures and technological systems. Langlois has also held adjunct roles at institutions like Copenhagen Business School and the University of the Witwatersrand. His courses span economic history, organizational economics, and interdisciplinary topics like 'Economics through Film.'

Langlois’s research integrates historical analysis with institutional economics, emphasizing modular systems, transaction costs, and the interplay between technology and organizational form. His recent work critiques traditional firm theories, advocating for frameworks that account for complexity and modularity. He has advised numerous students and contributed to debates on antitrust policy, innovation ecosystems, and the future of corporate governance.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Engineering-Economic Systems, Stanford University (1981)
  • M.S., Engineering-Economic Systems, Stanford University (1976)
  • M.S., Astronomy, Yale University (1975)
  • B.A., Physics and English, Williams College (1974)
• Awards:
  • Newcomen Award (1992)
  • Schumpeter Prize (2006)
  • Alice Hanson Jones Prize (2023)

Langlois’s publications address topics such as antitrust policy, corporate evolution, and the historical role of technology in shaping economic institutions. He has been a vocal advocate for integrating historical perspectives into economic theory, emphasizing the importance of institutional frameworks in understanding modern market dynamics.