Professor Neil Lee


Professor of Economic Geography

Neil Lee

Neil Lee is a Professor of Economic Geography in the Department of Geography and Environment (LSE). Before joining academia he held a senior management position in a think-tank. He has held visiting positions at Columbia University, the University of Oxford,  the University of St Andrews, Science Po Toulouse and the Inland University of Norway. 

His research has included high-profile studies on the relationship between innovation and living standards, new frontiers of innovation policy, and on the characteristics of high-growth firms. His work has been featured in the media, including the FT, the Economist, BBC News, and the Today Programme (Radio 4).

He has successfully delivered research projects for several government departments in the UK and elsewhere, international organisations such as the OECD and World Bank, city and regional governments, and innovation agencies such as Innovate UK. 


Expertise: economic geography; local and regional development; innovation; SME finance; technological change; future of work; inequality; labour markets; inclusive growth


LSE Consulting projects:

  • Modes of firm growth
    May 2016

    Client: Grant Thornton
    Authors: Neil Lee, Ross Brown & Teresa Schlueter