Who We Are
We engage in research and educational programs to explore the institutions and policies that promote human flourishing.
Mancur Olson Scholar Application Open
Bowling Alone: Revised and Updated
Social capital is needed for economic growth and a flourishing society. In this reading group, scholars will explore the concept of social capital and the reasons it has declined in the U.S. Students will discuss the role that declining social capital has had on rural communities and manufacturing communities throughout the rustbelt. Each participant will receive a $500 scholarship.
Judgment and Decision Making
In this reading group we discuss how people make judgments and decisions, and explore different mechanisms that aim to improve the quality of people’s choices. Finally, we engage in a debate to provide other perspectives on the policy implications of behavioral economics. Each participant will receive a $500 scholarship.
The Digital Revolution
How is technology reshaping our world and what does this mean for our future? I this reading group, scholars will explore these questions and topics relating to: artificial intelligence, virtual reality and the Internet of Things. Group discussion will deepen our understanding of how these innovations are transforming industries and changing how we live, work, and communicate. Each participant will receive a $500 scholarship.
Outreach

Pandemics and Liberty: An Introduction
Read the introduction from the new edited volume Pandemics and Liberty by Raymond J. March and Ryan M. Yonk.
Activities
News | Could pot prevent a pot belly? Researchers get the skinny on cannabis |
Op-Ed | An economics lesson on tax reform |
Blog | No, This Is Not 1970s Style Stagflation |
Op-Ed | The FDA could easily solve the baby formula shortage by allowing more imports from Europe |
Op-Ed | Education freedom in North Dakota among the worst in U.S. |
Research

In this report, we identify policy reforms to address state fiscal challenges and put North Dakota on a pathway to prosperity.
Programs and Events

See a list of all upcoming events.
The Center for the Study of Public Choice and Private Enterprise partners with the Challey Institute to offer a variety of speakers, workshops, and events open to the NDSU community and the general public.
Student Programs
Mancur Olson Scholars Reading Group |
New Institutional Social Science Certificate |