Cluster focus

This cluster was designed to strengthen existing interdisciplinary research, training and outreach efforts in the graduate program in economic sociology, which studies the social foundations and effects of economic institutions and systems. Rapidly advancing globalization, increased competition, and changed relations between public authorities and private market actors have had dramatically disruptive social effects, and countries the world over are rethinking their strategies for national prosperity. The cluster seeks to apply that knowledge to real-world economic problems in Wisconsin and beyond. A central focus of this work is reconciling the often conflicting interests that workers, owners and citizens have in competitive economy. Such changes include new forms of social welfare provision; new public goods; improved public regulation; new systems of wage compensation and career advancement; better coordination of human capital and production systems; and improvements in labor market practices.

Cluster accomplishments

  • Through its affiliated faculty, the cluster is centrally involved in the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS), a national research and field laboratory for state and local policy innovation based at UW-Madison. Many ideas COWS has first tried in Wisconsin (in workforce training, industry modernization, labor market reform and state administration) have since been adopted elsewhere. COWS also works closely with state government on Wisconsin economic issues. For example, Governor Jim Doyle’s economic development strategy, Grow Wisconsin, draws heavily on COWS’ work, and COWS faculty members have worked other projects, including the Governor’s Economic Growth Council, Council on Workforce Investment, Minimum Wage Taskforce and Biorefining Initiative.
  • Through affiliated faculty, the cluster works with the Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy. One such project was a study of Multinational Manufacturing and Regional Economic Development that provides a frame for Wisconsin efforts to better organize its regional economy. The Governance Research Circle, led by an affiliated faculty member and sponsored by the International Institute, also focuses on changing patterns of economic governance throughout the world.
  • Working in collaboration with the European Union Center of Excellence, cluster affiliates have developed close linkages with European academics and policy practitioners, including the European Commission’s Directorate General on Employment and Social Affairs.
  • The cluster was involved with a large Sloan Foundation grant focusing on Midwest Component Suppliers to examine such things as how to support local suppliers and sustain manufacturing employment in large manufacturing firms. The project created partnerships among universities, businesses, labor organizations and policy practitioners not only with other states, but also with countries such as Germany, Italy, Denmark and Mexico.
  • The cluster is involved with nearly 200 public and outreach programs annually via COWS and the Economic Analysis Research Network.
  • UW-Madison is recognized as a world center for cutting-edge research on the practical field of economic sociology and the cluster has improved the training process for graduate students.

Cluster structure

 

The cluster functions as an interdisciplinary community of research, teaching, and outreach. Affiliated faculty and students meet regularly to discuss program, and interact through a training seminar, invited speakers, and a host of conferences and other events organized by affiliated faulty. As it has evolved, the cluster has forged links the Political Economy Cluster and other UW-Madison units, including the Law School, the La Follette School of Public Affairs, and the political science, economics and rural sociology departments.

 

Cluster coordinator, faculty and lead dean

Cluster Coordinator

  • Joel Rogers, Professor, Law, Political Science and Sociology

Cluster Faculty

Lead Dean