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Research Associate, World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), United Nations University

Jesse Lastunen is a research associate at UNU-WIDER, specialising in tax-benefit microsimulation modelling. His research interests include labour and public economics, with a focus on social policies, taxation and employment. Currently, Jesse coordinates the research and technical assistance activities in Viet Nam, Rwanda and Uganda as part of the SOUTHMOD project. He led the efforts to harmonize and integrate the SOUTHMOD microsimulation models for the Global South.

Jesse has previously worked for organizations such as OECD, RAND Corporation, Internet Association and the Technopolis Group, conducting policy-oriented research on the intersection of technological change and the labour market. He received his PhD in policy analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School, with analytical concentrations in economics and quantitative methods. He has master’s degrees in international economics and technology policy.

Experience

  • 2020–present
    Research Associate, United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)
  • 2015–2020
    Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation
  • 2017–2018
    Internet Economy Research Fellow, Internet Association
  • 2016–2016
    External Consultant, OECD, Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation
  • 2014–2015
    Consultant, Technopolis Group
  • 2013–2013
    Policy Researcher, Project Policy Ltd
  • 2012–2012
    Consultant, Bgator Ltd
  • 2011–2011
    Researcher, CERN

Education

  • 2020 
    Pardee RAND Graduate School, PhD / Policy Analysis
  • 2014 
    Barcelona Graduate School of Economics, MS / Specialized Economic Analysis
  • 2013 
    University of Cambridge, MPhil / Technology Policy
  • 2011 
    Tampere University of Technology, BSc / Industrial Management