Peter Robertson

Peter Robertson is a Professor of Economics and Dean of the UWA Business School at The University of Western Australia. He previously served as Head of the Economics Department (2014-2016) and Associate Dean of Research (2011-2014). His education includes a BA from the University of Otago, an MEC from the University of New England, and a PhD from Simon Fraser University. He has held visiting scholar positions at institutions such as the University of Oxford and Rutgers University. His research focuses on economic growth, international trade, and defense spending, with particular emphasis on East Asia, China, India, and human capital accumulation.

He serves as an expert consultant to Australia's Productivity Commission and Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. He is also a member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts and editor for Indian Growth and Development Review and Economic Papers. His work addresses global challenges like sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction and environmental protection.

Research Interests:

• Economic Growth Mechanisms and Miracles in Asia
• International Trade Dynamics and Globalization
• Defense Budget Analysis and Military Expenditure
• Human Capital Development and Labor Markets
• Immigration Policies and Economic Impact
• Environmental and Sustainability Economics

Grant Activities (2022–2027): Leading projects like Inequality, Trade, and Technology funded by the ARC, analyzing global economic disparities and policy responses. Past grants include studies on India’s growth outlook and China’s trade impacts.

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the UWA Defence and Security Institute, focusing on strategic economic-security intersections.