Reinstating the Francis A. Walker Medal?

This paper advocates for the reinstatement of the Francis A. Walker Medal, arguing for its critical role in complementing the Nobel Prize in Economics by recognizing a broader and more diverse spectrum of contributions within the field. By revisiting the legacies of eminent economists such as Jacob Viner, Frank Knight, and Wesley Clair Mitchell, the paper illustrates the depth and diversity of economic scholarship that the Walker Medal honored in the past. The paper argues that reinstating the Walker Medal would introduce a healthy competitive element in the landscape of economic recognition, offering an alternative yet complementary platform to the Nobel Prize. Further, the paper highlights the historical context of Francis A. Walker, whose foundational role in the AEA and contributions to economics set the standard for the Medal.