Tim Harcourt and The Airport Economist: A Global Perspective on Trade
Tim Harcourt is a renowned Australian economist, author, and public speaker, best known for his work in international trade and global economics. His popular media brand, The Airport Economist, has made complex economic concepts accessible to a wide audience, blending serious economic analysis with engaging storytelling. Through books, television shows, and digital content, The Airport Economist has provided insights into how businesses and countries navigate the global economy.
Who is Tim Harcourt? Tim Harcourt is a leading expert on global trade, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
He has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, including:
- Chief Economist at Austrade (Australian Trade and Investment Commission) – where he advised the government on international trade policies and helped businesses expand globally.
- Industry Professor and Chief Economist at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Business School – focusing on economic policy and trade research.
- Host of The Airport Economist – a media brand that explores trade and economic issues worldwide. Harcourt’s extensive experience in economic policy, academia, and business consulting has made him a key voice in discussions about international trade, particularly in emerging markets.
The Airport Economist: Bridging Economics and Business Origins and Concept
The Airport Economist started as a book in 2008, in which Harcourt used his firsthand experiences of traveling the world to analyse trade dynamics in different economies. The book’s success led to a television series and a broader media platform covering global business and trade topics.
The premise of The Airport Economist is simple: business leaders and policymakers need quick, practical insights into foreign markets. Harcourt delivers this by breaking down complex economic issues in an accessible and engaging way. Books and Media Expansion Harcourt has authored multiple books under The Airport Economist brand, including:
- The Airport Economist (2008) – an introduction to global trade and investment.
- Trading Places – The Airport Economist’s guide to International Business (2014)
- The Airport Economist Flies Again! (2021)
All provide practical advice for businesses looking to expand internationally also look at X Factor in the global economy that may provide opportunities for Australian exporters and investors.
The concept later expanded into a television series originally aired on Sky News Business and Qantas inflight entertainment and was also screened by other international networks. In the show, Harcourt visits different countries, interviewing business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to understand how various economies function. The Airport Economist now has its own channel on Ticker News streaming to 381 million viewers worldwide:
https://tickernews.co/shows/airporteconomist/
Impact on Global Trade Understanding
Harcourt’s work has had a significant impact on how businesses and policy-makers approach international trade. By simplifying economic concepts and providing real-world examples, The Airport Economist has helped small and medium enterprises (SMEs) understand global opportunities. His insights into Asian markets, particularly China, India, and Southeast Asia, have been particularly valuable for Australian businesses looking to expand. He has also highlighted the role of trade in economic development, emphasizing the importance of free trade agreements, innovation, and global connectivity.
Tim Harcourt and The Airport Economist have transformed the way economic analysis is communicated. By making trade and economics more engaging and accessible, Harcourt has provided valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and students alike. His work continues to influence global trade discussions, making international business more understandable for everyone
Professor Tim Harcourt
Industry Professor & Chief Economist
Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG)
Centre for Sport, Business and Society (CSBS)
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
UTS Tower Building 1, Level 21
15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007
Sydney
AUSTRALIA
Direct +61 2 9514 4896
Mobile +61 408 485 479
Email: tim.harcourt@uts.edu.au
Twitter: @TimHarcourt
Websites:
