A new podcast episode from NPR’s Planet Money explores the speculative race to predict the 2026 Nobel Prize in Economics, breaking down the unconventional methods some researchers use to forecast winners. The discussion highlights how certain economists leverage unconventional data—like academic citations, policy influence, or even social media buzz—to identify potential laureates before the official announcement. While the Nobel Committee keeps its selection process tightly guarded, the episode examines whether these alternative approaches hold any predictive power or simply reflect the unpredictable nature of the prize. Listeners curious about the quirks of Nobel predictions and the broader debate over economic recognition will find this a fascinating deep dive.
Who will win the 2026 Nobel Prize in economics? : Planet Money NPR