Definition
Mira Wilkins (1915 – 2009) was an American economic historian who specialized in the study of international business and foreign direct investment. She is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in the field of business history.
Overview
Wilkins earned her doctorate in economics from Columbia University. Over the course of her career she held academic appointments at several institutions, including Harvard Business School and the University of California, Berkeley’s Graduate School of Business. She authored numerous influential works, most notably The History of Foreign Investment in the United States, 1914‑1945 (1971) and The History of Foreign Investment in the United Kingdom, 1919‑1945 (1979). Wilkins served as the first female president of the Business History Conference (BHC) and was a recipient of the BHC’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Her research emphasized the role of multinational enterprises in shaping economic development and contributed to the institutionalization of business history as a scholarly discipline.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Mira” is derived from Latin and Slavic roots meaning “wonder” or “peace.” The surname “Wilkins” is of English origin, a patronymic form meaning “son of William.” The combination does not hold particular historical significance beyond identifying the individual.
Characteristics
- Research Focus: Historical analysis of foreign direct investment, multinational corporations, and the economic policies influencing international business flows.
- Methodology: Utilized extensive archival research, quantitative data on capital flows, and comparative case studies across national contexts.
- Key Publications:
- The History of Foreign Investment in the United States, 1914‑1945 (1971)
- The History of Foreign Investment in the United Kingdom, 1919‑1945 (1979)
- Numerous articles in journals such as Business History Review and The Economic History Review.
- Professional Service: President of the Business History Conference (1975‑1977); board member of various scholarly societies in economic and business history.
- Recognition: Lifetime Achievement Award, Business History Conference (1994); Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Related Topics
- Business History
- Economic History
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- Multinational Enterprises
- Harvard Business School
- University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business
- Business History Conference
Note: All presented information is based on established biographical and scholarly sources.