It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Heston, Professor Emeritus of Economics and at the South Asia Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania and one of the original architects of the Penn World Table (PWT). His pioneering work in international price comparisons and economic measurement has profoundly shaped our understanding of global economic development and living standards.

Professor Heston's commitment to understanding international economic comparisons began early in his career with his work on India and Indian agriculture during the 1960s. He spent several years working with the Indian Statistical Institute, developing methodologies for measuring agricultural output and prices across Indian states. He would build on his early experience with the challenges of cross-regional price comparisons and shift his focus to a global scale starting in the later 1960s.

Professor Heston, along with collaborators Robert Summers and Irving Kravis, developed the International Comparison Program (ICP) and the Penn World Table, which have become indispensable resources for economists, policymakers, and researchers worldwide. Their innovative methodology for comparing prices and real incomes across countries revolutionized the field of international economics and continues to influence global economic analysis today. The International Comparison Program is currently a major statistical program, run under the auspices of the World Bank and counts as a major legacy.

The Penn World Table, first published in 1988, grew from Heston's groundbreaking work in developing purchasing power parity (PPP) measurements. His methodological innovations enabled meaningful comparisons of living standards across countries and time, providing the foundation for countless studies in economic growth, development, and international trade. His memoirs speak of his tireless efforts in helping to shape economic measurement and our understanding of income differences around the world.

Throughout his career, Heston was known for his methodological rigor and dedication to improving economic measurement. He served as a consultant to the World Bank, United Nations, and numerous international organizations, helping to establish standards for international price comparisons that remain influential today.

Beyond his technical contributions, Alan was a kind and knowledgeable economist. His collaborative spirit and commitment to open data access helped establish the culture of transparency and scientific rigor that continues to guide the Penn World Table project.

As current stewards of the Penn World Table, we remain profoundly grateful for Alan Heston's foundational contributions. His work continues to influence our ongoing efforts to improve international economic comparisons and understanding of global development. Our thoughts are with his wife, Bettina Aten, who has long acccompanied him on his intellectual journey.

The best way to honor Alan's legacy is to maintain his commitment to methodological excellence and open scientific inquiry as we continue to develop and improve the Penn World Table. His impact on the field of economic development will be felt for generations to come.

The Penn World Table Team October 26, 2024