ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT (IPEAD)

Welcome to the Institute for Political Economy and Development (IPEAD) - a bold, independent, and forward-thinking research institute dedicated to reshaping the discourse on economic development and political economy.

Founded in 2016 in the Republic of Korea, the Institute for Political Economy and Development (IPEAD - 정치경제발전연구소 (政治経済発展研究所), in Korean pronunciation ‘jeongchigyeongjebaljeon-yeonguso') operates as a non-profit academic network that bridges theory and practice by critically engaging with both institutional and radical approaches to political economy. We move beyond conventional frameworks, striving to uncover alternative solutions to global development challenges.

Our Vision and Mission

IPEAD is committed to:

Reframing Development Economics: Addressing the economic and political dimensions of poverty, inequality, and globalization with a sharp, unorthodox lens.
Challenging the Status Quo: Pushing the boundaries of mainstream economic thought by fostering innovative methodologies rooted in institutional and radical analysis.
Influencing Policy and Practice: Developing empirically grounded yet strategically bold policy insights to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Bridging Global and Local: Connecting global development goals — including the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — with locally informed, context-specific strategies.

Our Research Platforms

IPEAD's intellectual foundation rests on two distinct yet interconnected pillars:

IPEAD Column: New Methodenstreit

A platform for theoretical inquiry and critical debate — dissecting the core principles of political economy and philosophy through the lens of both institutional and radical economics. This series boldly revisits classical Methodenstreit, challenging orthodoxies and igniting fresh discourse.

IPEAD Economic Policy Frontier: The Trigger

A dynamic space for strategic policy analysis — offering data-driven, pragmatic solutions to pressing economic and political issues. ‘The Trigger’ focuses on translating theory into actionable strategies, shaping development policies with a radical yet methodical approach.

Our Academic Contributions

Under the leadership of the Founder and Chair of Research, IPEAD has:

Published independent policy reviews and critical columns over the past decade, advancing both theoretical and practical insights into global development challenges.
Delivered presentations at prestigious international academic conferences, including those hosted by globally renowned organizations and universities.
Authored books, each critically engaging with political economy and development theory, officially housed in Library.
Maintained a dedicated online platform showcasing IPEAD’s work, ensuring accessibility for global audiences.

IPEAD is also deeply invested in fostering academic dialogue through various scholarly activities:

Workshops and Seminars: Organizing online and offline workshops and seminars, providing a dynamic space for researchers, policymakers, and students to collaborate and exchange ideas.
Joint Research and Publications: Engaging in collaborative research initiatives with other academic institutions and publishing findings in respected journals and policy reports.

Collaboration and Impact

IPEAD actively collaborates with academics, policymakers, and institutions worldwide to foster inclusive economic development and innovative policymaking. We aim not only to critique but to transform the current landscape of global economic and political systems. Our goal is clear: to connect rigorous theory with impactful practice, offering bold, strategic insights that push the boundaries of mainstream thought and drive real-world change. We welcome partnerships, joint research initiatives, and policy dialogues that align with our mission of challenging traditional frameworks and proposing bold solutions to global and local economic issues.

For further information about IPEAD’s work, collaborations, and research initiatives, please feel free to contact the Chair of the Institute directly:

Mu-Jeong Kho

Founder & Chair of Research

The Institute for Political Economy and Development (IPEAD), Republic of Korea

Email: mu-jeong.kho@ipead.net | mu-jeong.kho@cantab.net | khomujeong@yahoo.co.uk

Website: www.ipead.net

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