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Lee, Changkeun Chair for Development Policy Research
Associate Professor
Economic History, Industry and Firm Dynamics, Technology and the Labor Market
Changkeun Lee is an economist whose research bridges economic history, labor economics, and applied microeconomics. He studies how firms respond to technological and macroeconomic changes, with a particular focus on the interplay between institutions, technology, and labor markets. His work seeks to uncover micro-level mechanisms behind major structural transformations.
His research spans multiple time periods and geographies, including the United States during the Great Depression, post-independence South Korea, and Vietnam since its economic opening. By comparing these contexts, he aims to identify generalizable patterns beyond country-specific narratives.
He actively collaborates across disciplines and sectors. He is a member of three major research teams—covering economics, data science, and public health—all supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea. He also worked with local governments to evaluate and improve cultural policy and served as an advisor to several industry-themed museums.
Dr. Lee has contributed to a range of policy initiatives commissioned by the Korean government. His policy research covers active labor market programs, digital transformation in manufacturing, cultural promotion, statistical innovation, and official development assistance (ODA) strategies—especially with regard to Korea’s engagement with the ASEAN region.
Before joining the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, he worked at Yonsei University’s Mirae Campus (2018–2020) and the Korea Development Institute (2015–2018). He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2015), and holds dual undergraduate degrees in economics and industrial engineering from Seoul National University (2004). He is also a reserve officer in the Republic of Korea Navy.
More information is available at:
🌐 https://changkeunlee.super.site/
His research spans multiple time periods and geographies, including the United States during the Great Depression, post-independence South Korea, and Vietnam since its economic opening. By comparing these contexts, he aims to identify generalizable patterns beyond country-specific narratives.
He actively collaborates across disciplines and sectors. He is a member of three major research teams—covering economics, data science, and public health—all supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea. He also worked with local governments to evaluate and improve cultural policy and served as an advisor to several industry-themed museums.
Dr. Lee has contributed to a range of policy initiatives commissioned by the Korean government. His policy research covers active labor market programs, digital transformation in manufacturing, cultural promotion, statistical innovation, and official development assistance (ODA) strategies—especially with regard to Korea’s engagement with the ASEAN region.
Before joining the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, he worked at Yonsei University’s Mirae Campus (2018–2020) and the Korea Development Institute (2015–2018). He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2015), and holds dual undergraduate degrees in economics and industrial engineering from Seoul National University (2004). He is also a reserve officer in the Republic of Korea Navy.
More information is available at:
🌐 https://changkeunlee.super.site/