University in Maastricht | Netherlands
Author Profile
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Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Trang Pham Thi began her academic journey with a strong foundation in International Economic Relations at Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, where she developed a deep interest in economic systems and global market dynamics. She further advanced her expertise through a Master’s degree in International Political Economy at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where she gained interdisciplinary exposure to political economy, trade policy, and development strategies. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in a Ph.D. in Innovation, Economics, Governance, and Sustainable Development from the United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), where she specialized in policies and pathways for sustainable development in the digital era.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Trang’s professional trajectory reflects a blend of academic, research, and applied economic expertise. She currently serves as a Lecturer at the VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education, University of Danang, where she develops research groups, trains future researchers, and teaches business research methods. Her academic experience spans teaching regression analysis, evidence-based policy research, and public policy at UNU-MERIT, alongside evaluating MSc theses and reviewing research proposals. Her diverse professional background also includes diplomatic work with the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia, project management in educational technology startups, security risk analysis with International SOS, and content development for international institutions.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Trang’s research focuses on digital transformation and sustainable development, particularly in relation to development economics, innovation economics, inequality, and the international political economy. She employs interdisciplinary methodologies including quantitative data analysis, econometrics, impact evaluation, mixed methods, and geospatial analysis, supported by advanced software proficiency in Stata, QGIS, R, and more. Her notable contributions include studies on the impact of mobile internet on household income, gender employment in creative sectors, education attainment, and mental health outcomes in developing economies. She has actively presented her work at globally recognized platforms, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, WIPO, and INET.
Impact and Influence
Through her international research engagements in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Dr. Trang has influenced policy-oriented economic research and contributed to knowledge exchange between academia, policymakers, and development agencies. Her work has informed discussions on digital inclusion, inequality, and innovation policy, and her role in global conferences has positioned her as a thought leader in sustainable digital economy research. As a mentor, she has guided emerging scholars in research methods, grant writing, and publication strategies, fostering academic capacity building in Vietnam and beyond.
Academic Citations and Recognition
Dr. Trang’s academic outputs, presented at high-impact conferences and workshops, contribute to the global discourse on economic inequality and digital transformation. She has been funded by prestigious organizations such as the European Commission’s MSCA, World Bank, British Academy, WIPO, ADB, and INET, reflecting strong peer recognition of her research relevance and quality. Her collaborations with leading international think tanks, including UNU-WIDER and CINPE, further attest to her scholarly standing.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Trang is set to build a legacy as a bridge between research and real-world policy impact, particularly in the context of the digital economy’s role in sustainable development. Her future work will likely expand into network analysis, complexity economics, and smart specialization strategies for emerging economies. With her strong academic network and experience in both research and applied policy environments, she is poised to mentor the next generation of economists and continue shaping inclusive development policies.
Conclusion
Dr. Trang Pham Thi’s career reflects an exceptional combination of academic rigor, interdisciplinary research expertise, and global engagement. From her early education in international economic relations to her current leadership in research and teaching, she has consistently contributed to advancing knowledge on sustainable development in the digital age. Her impactful publications, policy engagements, and mentorship demonstrate her commitment to driving equitable and innovative economic growth worldwide, marking her as a highly influential academic and development economist.
Notable Publications
"3G Internet Diffusion and Secondary Education Attainment: Evidence of Opportunity Cost in Vietnam"
- Author: Trang Thi Pham; Bernardo Caldarola
- Journal: Review of Development Economics
- Year: 2025
"Mobile Internet and Income Improvement: Evidence from Viet Nam"
- Author: TRANG THI PHAM
- Journal: Asian Development Review
- Year: 2025
"Internet Access and Youth’s Mental Health and Well-being: Evidence from Ethiopia"
- Author: Trang Pham-Thi; Pui-hang Wong
- Journal: Maastricht Economic and social Research institute on Innovation and Technology
- Year: 2025
"Mobile Internet and income improvement: Evidence from Viet Nam"
- Author: Trang Thi Pham
- Journal: WIDER Working Paper
- Year: 2023
"Digital Access, Usage, and Educational Outcomes: Evidence from Vietnam"
- Author: Trang Thi Pham
- Journal: Conference paper
- Year: 2023