Dr Radek Stefanski

Senior Lecturer

Researcher profile

Phone

+44 (0)1334 46 2451

Email

rls7@st-andrews.ac.uk

 

Research areas

Radek uses macroeconomic theory and empirical data to explore the deep, historical drivers of long-run growth and economic development. His current research focuses on evolutionary macroeconomics—specifically how the selection of human traits, such as societal patience, shapes centuries-long macroeconomic trends. He also maintains an established research agenda analyzing the mechanics of structural transformation, misallocation, and the role of natural resources in the wealth of nations. His research also uses historical texts and large language models to study cultural change and the productivity of ideas.

Selected publications

• Cultural capital and the productivity of ideas: evidence from historical texts

  Stefanski, R., 23 Jul 2026, Online: University of St Andrews, Business School, p. 1–86, 86 p. (Economics discussion papers (St Andrews); no. 2602).

  Research output: Working paper › Discussion paper

• Culture compass

  Stefanski, R., 2026

  Research output: Non-textual form › Web publication/site

• Nine centuries of cultural change and the productivity of ideas

  Stefanski, R., 16 Aug 2026, VOXEU.

  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

• Open access

  Patience and the social discount rate

  Stefanski, R. & Trew, A., 24 Sept 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: National Institute Economic Review. FirstView, p. 1-11

  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• When “Innovator” Was an Insult Rather Than a Compliment

  Stefanski, R., 2 Oct 2026, Human Progress.

  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

• Open access

  Extracting wedges: misallocation and taxation in the oil industry

  Stefanski, R., Ahlvik, L., Andersen, J. J., Harding, T. & Trew, A., 28 May 2025, Munich: CESifo, 33 p. (CESifo working papers; no. 11915).

  Research output: Working paper › Discussion paper

• The rise and fall of fossil fuels: convergence or industrialization?

  Mac Domhnaill, C. & Stefanski, R., 22 May 2025, p. 1-38, 38 p.

  Research output: Working paper › Discussion paper

• Open access

  Selection, patience, and the interest rate

  Stefanski, R. & Trew, A., 1 Mar 2024, In: Journal of Political Economy Macroeconomics. 2, 1, p. 149-181 33 p.

  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• Open access

  Fossil fuel subsidies amount to hundreds of billions of dollars a year – here’s how to get rid of them

  McCulloch, N. & Stefanski, R., 11 Feb 2021, The Conversation.

  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

• Open access

  Boom goes the price: giant resource discoveries and real exchange rate appreciation

  Harding, T., Stefanski, R. & Toews, G., 8 Feb 2020, St Andrews: University of St Andrews, p. 1-28, 28 p. (School of Economics and Finance Discussion Paper; no. 1608).

  Research output: Working paper › Discussion paper

 

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