Visiting Fellow Lela Jamagidze from Georgia Researching Structural Transformation at Ghent University

Lela Jamagidze, an Associate Professor at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (Georgia), specializes in international trade and historical and comparative approaches to international economic theory and policy-making. Her research focuses on Georgia's foreign economic relations and the challenges of economic integration.

During her research visit in March 2024, Dr. Jamagidze collaborated with Prof. Eric Vanhaute and the Economies, Comparisons, Connections (ECC) research group. Her ongoing research project examines the inter-relationships of structural transformation, trade, and economic development in Georgia and selected Eastern European economies. Dr. Jamagidze delivered a public lecture on this topic, presenting evidence of cross-country productivity disparities and sectoral factor allocation differences within the context of structural change.   The lecture, attended by professors, researchers, and PhD students, also discussed the implications for trade and deeper regional integration.

 Dr. Jamagidze chose Ghent University for its leading standing in Europe and the valuable opportunities for academic collaboration it offers. She believes that establishing academic contacts with European prestigious institutions is particularly beneficial given Georgia's aspiration for full EU membership. Moreover, her research, which encompasses economic, social, and historical dimensions, is well-aligned with the thematic and regional focus of the ECC research group on Eastern Europe. The constructive feedback and insightful discussions with the ECC team have significantly enhanced her research.

Beyond her hosting department, Dr. Jamagidze also met with Prof. Koen Schoors from the Department of Economics. They discussed the economic consequences of institutional reforms and the development of Georgia and other European countries with a transitional past.  

Looking ahead, Dr. Jamagidze plans to continue her cooperation with UGent colleagues through mutual participation in conferences and research workshops organized by TSU and UGent, co-supervision and advising of Master’s and PhD students, and joint research projects.

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