Elinor Ostrom was the first female winner of the Nobel Prize in economics, and her achievement has generated renewed interest in the Bloomington School research program in institutional economics and political economy. These essays showcase Ostrom's extensive and lasting influence throughout economics and the wider social sciences. Contributors contextualize the Bloomington School within schools of economic thought and show how Ostrom's distinct methodology has been used in policy-making and governance. Case studies illustrate the value of civic involvement within public policy, a method pioneered by Ostrom and the Bloomington School. Elinor Ostrom and the Bloomington School provides a valuable resource for those keen to understand Ostrom's approach, especially when applied to policy-making and wider use in the social sciences. Readers new to the Bloomington School will be introduced to its central areas of research while those already familiar with the school will appreciate its subtle connections to other disciplines and research agendas.

Jayme Lemke is senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

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Vlad Tarko is assistant professor in the Department of Political Economy and Moral Science at the University of Arizona.

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“For those interested in Elinor Ostrom’s wide-ranging contributions to the social sciences, Elinor Ostrom and the Bloomington School provides a useful entry point and overview.” History of Political Economy