Phan obtained his PhD in Economics from the Australian National University and a Master of Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies (UK).

His areas of expertise include green innovation, economic development and international trade.

Phan’s research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, books, international policy forums such as The Economic Record, Routledge Handbook and the East Asia Forum. He has consulted for multiple international institutions and government agencies, including the Global Green Growth Institute, the Danish International Development Agency and the Asia Foundation.