Field of Research

Development Economics

Research Topics

Development Economics, International Trade

Overview of Research

My research focuses primarily on development economics and international economics. I elucidate the causes of poverty in developing countries from an economics perspective, and explore effective policies for economic growth in such countries.

As globalization evolves, the impact of a country’s policies on other countries can no longer be overlooked. Therefore, there has been an increasing number of cases in which a nation’s economic policy needs to consider the interests of other countries. When making progress on industrialization in a developing country, for example, the country’s greenhouse gas emission levels often increase. In such a case, it is important for developed countries, which are responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to provide support to the developing country to implement low-emission technologies. This support mechanism is known as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), through which both developing and developed countries can explore a collaboration method that will benefit them both.

Also, for developing countries to achieve economic growth, increasing the international competitiveness of domestic companies and the country’s agriculture is essential. However, in doing so, they need to have technologies that allow them to meet strict environmental and safety standards in overseas markets while supplying their products to such markets. Although these standards are desirable from a consumer’s point of view, the technical cost borne by developing countries can be non-tariff trade barriers. Therefore, this situation requires the adjustment of interests among various countries.

In this way, an increasingly globalized world requires every country to understand the interrelation between each of them, and consider a mechanism that benefits them all. My research adopts empirical methods and proposes policy recommendations that can appropriately address various international issues. I look forward to sharing these ideas through lectures and seminars, and discussing policy development on each individual topic.

Message to Students

As economics uses math to a great extent, people may find it difficult. However, I believe that the strength of economics is that it elucidates what is happening behind economic events through theories and empirical analysis, including visible and invisible issues. Economics allows deeper insights into real-world economic issues beyond commonly accepted explanations.

I hope that students will deepen their knowledge of economics through classes and reading research literature, and will develop the skill to apply such knowledge to advanced studies. Additionally, my courses require both writing and speaking skills. The former helps in summarizing analysis results and policy recommendations in papers, while the latter helps in communicating ideas and their significance to others through seminars and similar opportunities. Hence, I would like all students to seriously engage in developing these skills from their first year.

OTSUKI, Tsunehiro 
Professor
Degree: Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics (University of Maryland)
otsuki@osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp