Dr. Erez Maggor
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
My life before BGU:
I was born in Rishon LeZion. At the age of nine, I moved with my family to Boston, where I grew up. I returned to Israel when I was 16 and completed high school and military service here. I got an undergraduate degree in sociology/anthropology and international relations, followed by a master’s in sociology, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Then I studied for a doctorate in sociology at New York University (NYU). I had postdoctoral fellowships at Tel Aviv University (Edmond J. Safra Center) and the Hebrew University (Martin Buber Society of Fellows), where I began a new research project on “the National Program for Digital Health as an Engine of Growth.”
Why BGU?
As can be seen from my answer to the first question, I am new to Ben-Gurion University. I chose to come to BGU because the University has an excellent reputation within the academic community as an organization that supports and takes care of its faculty members. Another reason has to do specifically with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, which I feel honored to join as a faculty member. The Department has a rich tradition of leadership in areas related to my own research: Political economy and political sociology. Professors such as Lev Grinberg, Sara Helman, Uri Ram, Daniel Maman and others are outstanding role models as critical sociologists who combine groundbreaking research with public and political action. Since many of them have retired in recent years, it can certainly be said that I have big shoes to fill.
My research:
All my research can be characterized as comparative political economic analysis. This is a theoretical and methodological framework that focuses on analyzing power struggles (as well as collaborations) between the state, employer organizations, and organized labor. It asks economic questions and is even comparative (between countries or different historical periods). Using this perspective, I ask how states advance economic development through public investment in specific industries and branches – what is called “industrial policy” in professional literature. In my doctoral research, I focused on the role of industrial policy in the establishment of the Israeli hi-tech industry and how changes to this policy reshaped the industry. Today I study the role played by industrial policy in dealing with contemporary social challenges such as economic inequality or the climate crisis.
An insight from my research:
In general, we are used to thinking about technological innovation as something that is the result of private initiatives and reliance on market forces. My research on the political history of hi-tech found that, contrary to this assumption, innovative technology is always, and everywhere, a product of collaboration among many players and that it is not viable without extensive long-term public support and investment. In this context, as in other cases, the state is not an obstacle, but rather an inherent and necessary part of the process.
Something that doesn't appear on my CV:
I’m married to Yael and we have two bright, curious, and adorable children: Tamar (11) and Lavie (5). If I’m not at work, I’m probably busy spending time with them..
A source of inspiration:
The economist Mariana Mazzucato at University College London: She is a prime example of the way scholars can conduct groundbreaking academic research and, at the same time, influence policymakers shaping public policy.
In Brief:
- Fauda or Big Brother? I’m not crazy about Fauda, but that’s the general direction.
- Yoga or CrossFit? Running
- Steak or tofu? Steak
- Trekking or the spa? Trekking and then the spa
- Car or train? Train, obviously
- Classical Europe or India? Europe
- Ocean or pool? Ocean
- Night or morning? Morning
- Winter or summer? Winter
- City or country? City
- Film or play? Both
- Phone conversation or text message? A conversation?! In case of emergency only
- Savory or sweet? both
- Facebook or Twitter? I’m kind of addicted to twitter. You’re invited to follow me at @ErezMaggor
