Summary Report of KIMAP Intensive Lecture by Prof. Zhang Dandan
From August 28th to September 3rd, Professor Zhang from Peking University delivered an intensive course at KIMAP titled “Labor Economics: Theory and Empirical Analysis.” Her research specializes in labor economics and the Chinese economy, with a focus on the welfare of vulnerable groups during transitions, the impact of social and institutional changes on human behavior, and new labor market phenomena like artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible employment.
Professor Zhang's intensive course explored the foundational concepts of labor economics, with a particular emphasis on the Chinese labor market. Key topics included labor supply and demand, immigration, minimum wage implications, and the future of labor markets. Through 15 combined lecture and presentation sessions, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, methodologies, and critical literature in the field, especially as they relate to current trends and policies. The course also trained students to conduct empirical research in labor and development economics using microeconomic datasets and techniques, providing them with widely applicable skills for various economic sectors. This intensive course was an invaluable learning opportunity, which enriched the KIMAP program.
