Lars Gårn Hansen

Lars Gårn Hansen is a Professor at the Department of Food and Resource Economics within the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in the Section for Environment and Natural Resources. Born in March 1959, he has established himself as a leading expert in regulatory economics with particular focus on environmental, resource and consumer regulation. He serves as one of the chairmen of economic councils that advise the Danish government on economic and environmental economic issues through De Økonomiske Råd.

Professor Hansen's research centers on the theory of regulation, compliance and enforcement mechanisms. His work spans environmental regulation, resource management, and consumer behavior related to environmental and health implications, particularly in food and electricity consumption. He conducts fundamental research in behavioral and experimental economics, examining how cooperation and social norms influence economic decision-making in regulatory contexts. His interdisciplinary approach bridges economics with environmental science and policy studies, making his work highly relevant to contemporary environmental challenges.

His recent publications from 2024 demonstrate active engagement in pressing policy issues across multiple domains. These works reveal a consistent focus on practical policy applications, with significant contributions to fisheries management in the Kattegat, climate adaptation strategies for coastal properties, Danish macroeconomic analysis through the De Økonomiske Råd reports, and tax policy analysis. A notable pattern in his research is the integration of theoretical economic frameworks with direct policy recommendations for Danish governmental bodies.

Professor Hansen maintains strong collaborative relationships with other prominent Danish economists including Carl-Johan Lars Dalgaard, Michael Ejrnæs, and Jakob Roland Munch. His publications appear across diverse venues including academic journals, government reports, and public policy forums, demonstrating his commitment to translating academic research into practical policy applications. His dual role as academic researcher and policy advisor positions him at the intersection of economic theory and real-world environmental governance.