Personal profile
Research interests
My research lies in International and Development Economics, with a focus on international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic integration, economic sanctions, and firm-level productivity. I also work on energy and environmental issues, meta-analysis, formalization of informal firms, and the links between globalization and health.
A central strand of my work examines the effects of FDI on host economies, the effectiveness of regional trade agreements in promoting trade and development, and the economic impacts of sanctions. This research addresses timely policy questions, as FDI flows and international economic integration continue to expand across both developing and advanced economies. My work on FDI and international trade is widely cited, reflecting its contribution to empirical and policy debates. In addition, my research on economic sanctions underscores their growing use as a policy instrument in place of diplomacy or military intervention.
Another important strand of my research focuses on globalization and urbanization and their environmental impacts. In this work, I analyse how the accelerating pace of global economic integration and urban growth shapes environmental outcomes, addressing a critical area of concern for global policy and sustainable development.
My research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals in economics and development studies, including World Development, Economic Analysis and Policy, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Energy Economics, Resource and Energy Economics, Energy Policy, Environmental and Resource Economics, Labour Economics, Journal of Economic Surveys, AIDS Patient Care and STDs, Applied Economics, and Third World Quarterly.
Alongside my research, I teach courses in international trade and investment, research methodology, and critical evaluation of scientific literature. I have also developed a MOOC on trade and investment, with a focus on evidence-based policy for development.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
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SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
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SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
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SDG 15 Life on Land
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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How does technology adoption affect energy intensity? Evidence from a meta-analysis
Vu, T. T. T. & Demena, B. A., 15 Nov 2025, In: Applied Energy. 398, 126439.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Citations (Scopus)37 Downloads (Pure) -
The state of social protection in the context of converging global crises: a scoping review
Shuka, Z. S., Weldegebriel, Z. B., Shegro, T. M., Demena, B. A. & Cruzatti Constantine, J., Nov 2025, International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), 30 p. (ISS working papers. General series; No. 731).Research output: Working paper › Academic
Open AccessFile194 Downloads (Pure) -
A Meta-Analysis of Determinants of Success and Failure of Economic Sanctions †
Demena, B. A. & van Bergeijk, P. A. G., Jun 2025, In: Econometrics. 13, 2, 16.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile43 Downloads (Pure) -
Traditional Biomass Energy Use Among Women Street Coffee Vendors: Access and Health Implications in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia
Engida, Y. M., Demena, B. A. & Afrifa, S. G., Feb 2025, In: Environments - MDPI. 12, 2, 34.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile35 Downloads (Pure) -
Publication bias in export promotion impact on export market entry: evidence from a meta-regression analysis
Demena, B. A., 2025, In: Applied Economics Letters. 32, 10, p. 1468-1473 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile5 Citations (Scopus)45 Downloads (Pure)
Datasets
Prizes
Activities
- 1 Oral presentation
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FDI, Spillovers and firm-level heterogeneity: Identifying the transmission channels
Demena, B. A. (Speaker)
10 Sept 2016Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation › Academic