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Econ professor named to federal R&D panel
Folio staff
Dahlby is an acclaimed economist who is sought after internationally for his expertise on economic policy. In May he was awarded the Doug Purvis Memorial Prize by the Canadian Economics Association for excellence relating to Canadian economic policy.
“I am honoured to have been chosen,” said Dahlby of his selection to the panel. “I am pleased to be able to represent the university and will do the best job that I can.”
The panel has one year to produce formal recommendations regarding ways that government funding and policy can enhance business research and development and productivity. The panel’s recommendations will be publicly reported within a year.
The creation of the panel is both strategic and timely, according to President Indira Samarasekera, a vocal supporter of R&D investments and the benefits to Canada of more public-private partnerships around research and innovation.
“As one of Canada’s leading research-focused public institutions, we at the U of A commend the government on creating this panel, and we firmly believe that Canada must be relentless in its pursuit of excellence,” said Samarasekera. “For nearly two decades the Government of Canada has been making strategic investments that have built a foundation for innovation and competitiveness and that have set Canada up for great success.”
Examples of that investment include funding for the Tri-Councils, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Canada Research Chairs, the Vanier Scholarships, the Canada Excellence Research Chairs, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
Samarasekera is thrilled to have Dahlby appointed to the panel.
“Bev is an internationally-acclaimed expert in economic policy, called upon to consult on tax reform in developing economies for the IMF and World Bank,” said Samarasekera. “His well-deserved selection to the panel brings honour to the U of A, and we are all proud for him.”
Since joining the faculty in 1978, Dahlby has maintained a fairly low profile while teaching courses at all levels in the area of public economics, publishing prolifically, and advising and consulting. He has also made an important contribution to the field of public economics with the recent publication of his book, The Marginal Cost of Public Funds. He also serves as a fellow of the university’s Institute for Public Economics and the C.D. Howe Institute in Toronto. But, according to economics chair Doug West, Dahlby has quietly amassed significant contributions to public policy.
“This selection is recognition of Bev’s expertise, especially in the economics of taxation, so we in the department are very pleased for him,” said West. “Only one person a year is recognized for contributions to public policy, and that was Bev this year. Through his appointment to the C.D. Howe Institute and his many other professional activities, Bev has made considerable contributions to public policy.”