Anne Carter (economist)

Anne Carter (1925 – 2017) was an American economist known for her pioneering work in input-output analysis, particularly its application to understanding structural change in economies, technological change, and the impact of these changes on labor markets and environmental issues.

Born in New York City, Carter earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University in 1953. She spent the majority of her academic career at Brandeis University, where she was a professor of economics.

Carter's research focused on extending and refining Wassily Leontief's input-output models. Her significant contributions included developing methods for analyzing the dynamic evolution of economic structures, the effects of technological innovation on input-output coefficients, and the linkages between economic activity and environmental pollution. She explored how changes in technology and consumer demand ripple through the economy, impacting different sectors and the types of jobs available.

Carter authored several influential books and articles, including Structural Change in the American Economy (1970) and Input-Output Techniques for Structural Economics (1999). Her work has been used extensively by economists, policymakers, and researchers interested in understanding the complexities of modern economies and forecasting future economic trends. She also served as a consultant to various government agencies and international organizations.

Beyond her academic contributions, Carter was a strong advocate for the use of input-output analysis to inform policy decisions related to sustainable development and economic justice. She emphasized the importance of considering the interconnectedness of different sectors of the economy when designing policies to address pressing social and environmental challenges.