Human Capital and Development: Insights from Korea's Transformation

South Korea's persistent economic growth combined with a democratic political system has transformed the country into a developed nation. While research has often highlighted the role of industrial policies, technological growth and international trade as imperative to Korea’s developmental success, this talk will instead focus on the role that human capital has played. Professor Ju-Ho Lee will discuss how the accumulation of human capital has aided Korea’s transformation and examine the policies, strategies and challenges that the country faces into the future.

Before returning to the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in 2013, Professor Lee served as Minister of Education, Science and Technology (2010-13) where he had previously served as Vice Minister (2009). He has been noted for his endeavor to reform education, and for active lawmaking as a member of the National Assembly (2004-08). Utilizing his nine years of experience as a policy maker, he actively resumed his academic research on human capital and innovation policies at KDI. Professor Lee's  recent research has covered a wide range of issues including the measurement of 21st century skills, changes in pedagogies, opening-up strategies in education reforms, and innovation ecosystems. Currently he is also working for the international community as a Commissioner of the International Commission on Financing the Global Educational Opportunities.

Professor Lee received his BA and MA from Seoul National University, and PhD from Cornell University, all in economics.

This lunch time keynote address is part of the ninth annual Koret Workshop, "Korea's Migrants: From Homogeneity to Diversity," and open to the general public.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Koret Foundation.