Ken Shadlen

Professor Ken Shadlen specializes in Development Studies at the London School of Economics' Department of International Development. His research examines how national policies adapt to evolving global intellectual property rules, particularly in pharmaceuticals and trade. He previously served as Managing Editor of the Journal of Development Studies (2011-2020).

Shadlen's work centers on intellectual property politics, pharmaceutical regulation, trade governance, and Latin American development strategies. His book Coalitions and Compliance: The Political Economy of Pharmaceutical Patents in Latin America analyzes divergent national responses to global IP standards. Current research investigates how developing countries implement pharmaceutical patent systems in practice.

His publications explore the intersection of trade agreements, health policy, and industrial development. Recent work analyzes COVID-19 vaccine production models, intellectual property waivers, and technology transfer mechanisms during health emergencies. Methodologically, he employs comparative case studies, institutional analysis, and policy process tracing.

Key recognitions include the Greenstone Book Prize for Defining the National Interest (1999), Fulbright Distinguished Lectureship in U.S. Foreign Policy (2003), and Choice Outstanding Academic Title for Politics and Strategy (2011).

Shadlen leads the ESRC-funded project 'TRIPS Implementation and Secondary Pharmaceutical Patenting' and advises international organizations on IP policy. He collaborates with public health agencies in Brazil and India on pharmaceutical access initiatives.