Professor, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Founder & Director of the Open Government & Innovation (OGI) Lab
Professor Taejun (David) Lee is a Full Professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea, where he leads research on digital transformation, AI governance, creative economy policy, and data-driven innovation ecosystems. He also serves as the founder and director of the Open Government & Innovation (OGI) Lab, supporting public sector innovation and policy transformation across central and local governments.
His work focuses on how artificial intelligence, data infrastructures, platform economies, and cultural industries are reshaping governance systems, innovation ecosystems, and regional development strategies. In particular, he has developed interdisciplinary research and policy frameworks connecting creative industries, cultural policy, platform governance, public diplomacy, and policy knowledge ecosystems.
Professor Lee has been actively engaged in international collaboration across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia, working with governments, universities, cultural institutions, and global organisations on issues related to creative economy governance, digital transformation, cultural cities, and innovation policy. He has contributed to over 60 government-funded research and policy projects in South Korea and has advised major Korean government bodies, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
More recently, his work has focused on the role of data, AI, and policy experimentation in the future of creative economy governance. He has been closely involved in Korea–UK collaborations on creative industries policy, cultural city strategies, place-making, and policy lab approaches, working with partners including the British Council, Creative PEC, local governments, and cultural institutions.
Professor Lee’s current research explores how policy knowledge, digital infrastructures, and collaborative governance can support more inclusive, sustainable, and globally connected creative ecosystems in the AI era.
