Professor at Beijing University , China
Weiying Zhang is a distinguished economist and Boya Chair Professor at the National School of Development, Peking University. Born in 1959 in Shaanxi Province, he has significantly influenced economic thought in China, advocating for free-market reforms and ownership restructuring. His insights and critiques of China’s economic policies have earned him recognition both nationally and internationally.
Profile
orcid
Education 🎓
Weiying Zhang received his undergraduate and graduate training in economics from Northwest University in China. His academic journey continued at Oxford University, where he obtained his D.Phil. in Economics in 1994. His education has equipped him with a profound understanding of economic theories and practices, shaping his influential career.
Experience 💼
Since 1994, Professor Zhang has taught at Peking University, where he has held several key positions, including Dean of the Guanghua School of Management from 2006 to 2010. He returned to the National School of Development in July 2014 and has served as the Chief Economist for the China Entrepreneurs Forum since 2001. His extensive experience has positioned him as a leading voice in Chinese economic reform.
Research Interest 🔍
Professor Zhang’s research primarily focuses on free market advocacy, the theory of the firm, and ownership reform. He is known for his critical insights into China’s economic reforms and has contributed significantly to discussions on market dynamics and economic policy.
Awards 🏆
In recognition of his pioneering contributions, Professor Zhang received the China Economic Theory Innovation Award in 2011 for his work on dual-track price reform. His influence and thought leadership have earned him several prestigious awards in China.
Publications 📚
Economics
Weiying Zhang has made substantial contributions to the field of economics through a variety of publications, including books and academic papers that explore critical issues in economic reform, market theory, and the structure of firms. Here is a detailed list of his notable works:
- The Logic of the Market: An Insider’s View of Chinese Economic Reform (Cato Institute, 2015)
- Description: This book provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s economic reforms from an insider’s perspective, arguing for the importance of market mechanisms in driving economic growth.
- Awards: Finalist for the Hayek Prize in 2016 and 2017.
- The Road Leading to the Market (Routledge, 2016)
- Description: Zhang outlines the trajectory of China’s market reforms, detailing the challenges and successes encountered along the way.
- The Origin of the Capitalist Firm: An Entrepreneurial/Contractual Theory of the Firm (Springer, 2017)
- Description: This work presents a theoretical framework for understanding the capitalist firm through an entrepreneurial lens, examining the contractual relationships that shape firm behavior.
- Ideas for China’s Future (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020)
- Description: A collection of essays that address the future of China’s economic policies, emphasizing innovative ideas for sustainable growth and reform.
- “A New Perspective on Ownership Reform” (Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2018)
- Description: This paper critiques traditional views on ownership structures in China, advocating for reforms that enhance efficiency and accountability.
- “The Role of Entrepreneurs in China’s Economic Transition” (China Economic Review, 2019)
- Description: An exploration of the crucial role that entrepreneurs play in facilitating China’s economic transition from a planned economy to a market-oriented system.
- “Market Dynamics and Economic Policy in China” (World Development, 2021)
- Description: This article analyzes how market dynamics influence economic policy decisions in China, with implications for future reforms.
- “Price Reform and Economic Efficiency: Evidence from China” (Journal of Asian Economics, 2015)
- Description: A study examining the impact of price reform on economic efficiency, drawing lessons from China’s experiences.