Robert Walker

Research Fellow, Indo-Pacific Development Centre
Areas of expertise

International economics and political economy, geoeconomics, growth and development, macroeconomics

Robert Walker
Biography
Publications
News and media

Robert Walker is a Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute and works as an economist in the Institute’s Indo-Pacific Development Centre. His work focuses on emerging Asian economies as well as growth and development in the Indo-Pacific region. Robert’s interests include macroeconomic policy, aid and development, geoeconomics, industrial policy, and international political economy.

Prior to joining the Lowy Institute, Robert worked in the Australian Department of the Treasury in international macroeconomic forecasting and at the Australian National University’s Australian Centre on China in the World. He holds a Master’s degree in International and Development Economics from the Australian National University with a specialisation in macroeconomic policy, and a Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney.

Indonesia’s EV gamble: Green on the surface, dirty underneath
Indonesia’s EV gamble: Green on the surface, dirty underneath
Efforts to capitalise on nickel dominance has carried an environmental cost.
The future of Indonesia’s green industrial policy
Analyses
The future of Indonesia’s green industrial policy
Despite an early lead in EV and battery supply chains, Indonesia must opt for a more sustainable and open growth model to remain competitive.
Indonesia: The downstreaming dilemma
Indonesia: The downstreaming dilemma
The nickel boom in Southeast Sulawesi is a paradox – reshaping the region while sidelining locals.
What I’ll be watching for in 2025
What I’ll be watching for in 2025
Lowy researchers gaze at their crystal balls – with questions, more than answers, for the year ahead.
Australian industrial policy more liberal and less distortionary than most
Australian industrial policy more liberal and less distortionary than most
Australia followed the crowd as a new wave of industrial policies swept the globe. Six months on, it is useful to hold the government to account.
Why Indonesia should join the Minerals Security Partnership
Commentary
Why Indonesia should join the Minerals Security Partnership
Originally published in The Jakarta Post
A glimpse into Indonesia's nickel policy
A glimpse into Indonesia's nickel policy
China has become a key partner, but locals pay the price and need more support to realise the benefits.
Indonesia's EV drive faces geopolitical headwinds
Commentary
Indonesia's EV drive faces geopolitical headwinds
Originally published on Nikkei Asia
Southeast Asia after the shocks: Economic growth, but not as we know it
Southeast Asia after the shocks: Economic growth, but not as we know it
New Lowy Institute research shows the pandemic and Ukraine war have taken a toll, while the benefits from supply chains shifting out of China have so far been limited.
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