Ha-Joon Chang

Ha-Joon Chang

• Challenges orthodox economic thinking and pushes policies that strive for a more equitable and sustainable future.
• He has produced 17 books and edited 11, with translations in 45 languages.
• Notable works include “Kicking Away the Ladder” and “23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism.”
• One of the top 20 World thinkers by Prospect Magazine
• Chang has received prestigious awards like the 2005 Wassily Leontief Prize for advancing economic thought.

Ha-Joon Chang is a notable economist from South Korea who is focused on enhancing growth in poorer countries. He is recognized for his critical views on global economic issues and regularly disputes the guidance given by wealthy nations. Chang uses simple examples, like food anecdotes, to teach complex economic theories. He believes that everyone should learn basic economics to participate in democracy fully. Chang contends that global and free-market policies have often led to serious economic crises, such as the 2008 crisis. He has spent several years teaching at Cambridge University, where he shares his unique ideas with pupils.

Recognition and Achievements

His influential contributions to economics have attracted a lot of interest.  Ha-Joon Chang served as a consultant to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, Oxfam, and various United Nations agencies. In addition to being a fellow at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington DC, he also serves on the advisory board of the Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP). He co-directs the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation and is a Research Professor at SOAS University of London’s Department of Economics. With his works translated into 45 languages and published in over 46 countries, his prolific writing consists of 17 written and 11 edited publications challenging standard economic theory. His books “Kicking Away the Ladder” and “23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism” have shaped debates on world politics and economic development.

Chang’s astute observations and advocacy for state intervention in economies led him to obtain the renowned Wassily Leontief Prize in 2005. He also plays a significant role in defining international economic strategy as a member of the Committee for Development Policy, the United Nations’ main advisory board on development matters. His services extend to guiding global organizations and national governments in leveraging economic strategies to support sustainable growth.

Speaker and Thought Leader – Ha-Joon Chang

Ha-Joon Chang is a prominent speaker and influential thinker noted for his engaging style and ability to demystify complicated economic theories. He usually uses intriguing culinary stories from worldwide to demonstrate economic theories, making them easier to understand. Chang’s passion for making economics accessible derives from his idea that everyone should understand basic financial principles to participate fully in a democratic society. He’s a famous figure in global forums, where he challenges orthodox economic thinking and pushes policies that strive for a more equitable and sustainable future. His presentations have brought him worldwide, including renowned platforms with audiences from NASDAQ and FTSE 100 firms.

Speaking Topics

• Industrial and Trade Policy
• Productive capabilities
• Political and Global economic system
• History of development