Founded in 1995 by the influential political economist David Gordon, SCEPA is the economic policy research arm of the department of economics at The New School for Social Research. Made possible through a generous gift from Irene and Bernard L. Schwartz, SCEPA is distinct from other economic think tanks by its location within The New School. In the heart of New York City, both the university and center are part of a network of leaders dedicated to progressive and innovative education and ideas.
Mission
SCEPA works to focus the public economics debate on the role government can and should play in the real productive economy – that of business, management, and labor – to raise living standards, create economic security, and attain full employment. Our team of faculty and research associates works from the broad and critical perspectives representative of The New School’s department of economics, including post-Keynesian, neo-classical, classical and institutionalist schools of thought.
Our projects are designed to empower policy makers to create positive change. With a focus on collaboration and outreach, we provide scholars, non-profits, and government officials with original, standards-based research on key policy issues. We also partner with non-partisan advocates and foundations to engage the public, opinion leaders and elected officials in the discussion of how to create a more stable, equitable, and prosperous economy.