F. Gregory Hayden is a professor of economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a recipient of the Veblen-Commons Award. His research has been devoted mainly to three areas since receiving his doctorate in economics at the University of Texas-Austin.

The three areas include the development of the social fabric matrix, development of a meta-policymaking paradigm and the application of instrumental philosophy to policy analysis. They have been conflated in his theory of institutional economics research and his public policy analysis for public service positions he has held. Consequently, his publications are extensive and diverse.