Finn Tarp

Finn Tarp is a Professor of Development Economics at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Economics since 2002 and Coordinator of the Development Economics Research Group (DERG). He previously served as Director of UNU-WIDER (2009-2018) and has advised institutions in Vietnam, Finland, and Mozambique.

Education:

• Doctoral dissertation (lic. polit.) in Economics, University of Copenhagen (1989-1992)
• M.Sc. (cand. polit.) in Economics, University of Copenhagen (1977-1978)
• Graduate Studies, University of Illinois (1976-1977)

Research Interests focus on development economics, particularly poverty dynamics, income distribution, structural transformation, and climate change impacts. His work combines empirical analysis with policy modeling in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, emphasizing institutional diagnostics and socioeconomic resilience.

Recent publications demonstrate expertise in disaster recovery economics (Cyclone Idai in Mozambique), inequality analysis (Vietnam experiments), and industrial development (Africa-Asia comparisons). Key journals include World Development, Journal of Development Studies, and Review of Development Economics.

Awards include:

• Knighthood, Order of the Dannebrog (2015)
• Vietnamese Government Medals for Planning Support (2014) and Science Merit (2011)
• University of Copenhagen Teaching Award (1996)
• Zeuthen Award, Danish Economic Society (1979)

With supervision experience across bachelor to PhD levels and roles in academic governance (e.g., Journal of Development Studies Board), his contributions span research, policy, and education. Current work examines structural transformation in Vietnam and Mozambique's institutional development.