Research impact

The Institute for International Trade’s Southeast Asia Program advances regional trade integration and sustainable development across ASEAN. Building on deep expertise in trade policy, it supports implementation of key agreements such as RCEP and AANZFTA through targeted research, technical assistance, and capacity-building.

The program tackles emerging challenges in digitalisation, sustainability, and circular economy transitions, helping governments and businesses adapt to evolving global trade dynamics. It strengthens human capital and sectoral capacity—particularly in health and education—to enhance regional competitiveness and inclusive growth.

By simplifying trade policies, improving institutional readiness, and promoting policy coherence, IIT’s work delivers tangible outcomes that support long-term economic resilience. The program’s research and training activities translate complex trade and policy challenges into actionable solutions, enabling partners to negotiate, implement, and benefit from modern trade frameworks.

Projects range from policy reviews and regional integration support for ASEAN members to human capital development in Cambodia and Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN accession. Through these initiatives, IIT fosters stronger regional ties, sustainable growth, and a more connected, capable Southeast Asia.

We examine how international trade can drive the global shift toward a low-carbon, sustainable economy. Funded by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Trade & Environment under the EU Erasmus+ Program, it unites leading Adelaide University researchers in trade, environmental policy, business, and international relations to explore the evolving trade–climate nexus.

Through transdisciplinary research and global collaboration, the program investigates how trade policy can support climate action, fair supply chains, and green innovation. Its work centres on three key themes:

• trade-related climate measures shaping global competitiveness
• green value chains across strategic sectors such as hydrogen, steel and critical minerals, and
• emerging climate clubs and plurilateral initiatives transforming trade governance.

Combining academic rigour with practical engagement, the program produces working papers, policy briefs and stakeholder dialogues that inform evidence-based policymaking. Activities such as the “Road to Belém” seminar series and expert podcasts foster dialogue between policymakers, industry and academia. Together, these initiatives strengthen understanding of how trade can enable sustainable growth and help position Australia and its partners as leaders in the global green transition.

The global trade system is being reshaped by protectionism, geopolitical rivalry, technological disruption, and the reconfiguration of supply chains around security and resilience. Our research explores these profound shifts to help governments, businesses and communities adapt to a more complex, contested environment.

Focusing on two core pillars — Geoeconomics, Decoupling and Supply Chain Security, and Technological Transformation, Trade and Firm Strategy — the program examines how strategic competition, digitalisation, and emerging technologies are redefining global commerce.

Through interdisciplinary research spanning economics, law and international relations, IIT delivers policy-relevant insights and evidence-based recommendations to support decision-makers across Australia and the Indo-Pacific. The program also strengthens national capability by embedding PhD and early-career researcher projects within its agenda, integrating new knowledge into teaching, executive training and capacity-building.

Collaborating with government, industry and international partners, IIT translates research into action through policy briefs, workshops and roundtables. Its work equips stakeholders to navigate uncertainty, enhance resilience and harness new opportunities within an evolving global trade order.