I have just talked to Professor Israel Kirzner this morning and he confirmed that he has been awarded the FSF-Nutek Award. This is given by the Swedish Foundation for Small Business Research and by NUTEK (a government body dealing with the development of the Swedish economy). The prize is awarded to economists and others who have contributed to the understanding of entrepreneurship and small firms.
In 2003 Professor William Baumol received the award. Since Baumol’s interesting work on entrepreneurship is heavily inspired by that of Kirzner (and Schumpeter), it is pleasing to see that Kirzner was not forgotten. It also means that the Swedish government has an interest in the works of people who do not see much role for state intervention in the economy. For more on the prize see here.
Let’s hope this is a step towards another prize of higher significance also awarded in Sweden every year and that is long overdue for Israel Kirzner, the greatest (Austrian) economist alive… (see also here).
Thanks to Sebastian Weil of the ninja economist for the initial information.
I'd say that it is more the experts and economists that have been consulted to name a winner rather than the swedish state, with its socialistic government and socialistic Minster of Industry, Employment and Communications that are the reasons for Kirzner winning the prize.
I'd wager the swedish government has no idea about who Kirzner is.
Posted by: Sebastian Weil | January 25, 2006 at 03:10 PM
http://www.clubtroppo.com.au/2006/01/26/a-call-for-some-thigh-slapping-celebrations/
Posted by: Rafe | January 26, 2006 at 02:04 AM