SMU Assistant Professor of Political Science Bae Yooil is fascinated by the diffusion of ideas across countries. His current research examines why many countries – regardless of pre-existing conditions, history and culture – have, since the 1970s, attempted to adopt a model of decentralisation, be it political or fiscal. Assistant Prof Bae hopes to expand his research to study idea transfer in the private sector, particularly in relation to innovation and technical knowledge. He is also currently working on a paper about public-private partnership in infrastructure development which may create room for collaboration with other SMU faculty.