Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative

Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative is a nonpartisan research and engagement center based at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. It serves as a bridge between academic research and the practical world of public policy, providing data-driven analysis to policymakers in Washington, D.C. and beyond. The initiative leverages the expertise of faculty across Penn to address complex economic and business-related policy challenges.

Overview

The initiative operates as a key component of The Wharton School, renowned for its focus on finance, business analytics, and management. Its primary mission is to translate rigorous academic research into accessible, nonpartisan insights for congressional staff, executive branch officials, and other decision-makers. Core activities include producing briefs on topics like tax reform, healthcare economics, and regulatory policy, often in response to current legislative debates. Leadership includes a director and an advisory board comprising distinguished faculty from Wharton and other schools such as the Annenberg School for Communication and the School of Arts and Sciences.

Research and Analysis

Research is conducted by teams of Penn faculty and doctoral students, focusing on the economic and business implications of policy. Key research areas include fiscal policy, entitlement reform, international trade, and technology regulation. Analyses are disseminated through formal publications like the "Penn Wharton Budget Model," a highly regarded tool for assessing the fiscal impact of federal proposals, which has been cited during debates over the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Scholars such as Kent Smetters and Olivia S. Mitchell have contributed significant work on Social Security and retirement policy through the initiative.

Policy Engagement and Impact

Engagement occurs through direct outreach to Capitol Hill, testimony before committees like the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, and regular briefings for policymakers. The initiative hosts conferences and roundtables in Washington, D.C. featuring experts from institutions like the Brookings Institution and the American Enterprise Institute. Its analyses have informed discussions on major legislation, including aspects of the Affordable Care Act and proposals from the Congressional Budget Office. This direct channel aims to elevate evidence-based discourse within the federal government.

Educational Programs

The initiative provides unique educational opportunities for Penn students, particularly through its Washington, D.C. semester program. Undergraduate and graduate students from Wharton and other schools like the College of Arts and Sciences can complete policy-focused internships while taking courses on the policy process. Students may work in offices of members of Congress, agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission, or think tanks such as the Urban Institute. The program also includes a seminar series with notable speakers from the World Bank or the Federal Reserve System.

History and Governance

The Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative was formally launched in 2013 under the leadership of then-Wharton Dean Thomas S. Robertson. Its creation was driven by a recognized need for more academic, data-driven input into national policy debates, particularly following the 2008 financial crisis. It is governed by a faculty executive committee and receives guidance from an external advisory board that includes alumni with experience in the White House and the Treasury Department. The initiative is funded through a combination of university resources and grants from foundations and private donors.