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Is­mir Mu­lal­ic

Associate Professor

Subjects
Economics Properties Job market Immigration Infrastructure

Primary research areas

Urban economics

Urban economics studies how economic forces shape cities - land use, housing, transport, and population patterns - to understand and improve urban living.

Transportation economics

Transportation economics analyzes the movement of people and goods, focusing on costs, demand, infrastructure, and policy to improve efficiency and accessibility.

From Commuting to Housing: Rethinking City Life

Driving smarter, fairer urban societies 

My research focuses on solving some of the most pressing urban challenges of our time - from housing inequality and long commutes to the broader economic effects of transport infrastructure. My goal is to help build smarter, more equitable, and sustainable cities by providing data-driven insights that support better decision-making for policymakers, companies, and citizens. 

  

Research that informs real-world decisions 

My work explores how transport systems, housing markets, and public policy interact to shape everyday life. For example, I’ve shown that commuting distances have a significant impact on gender wage gaps after childbirth, and that major infrastructure projects, like the Great Belt Bridge, can change regional productivity in ways that don’t benefit everyone equally. Through this kind of research, I aim to support more just and effective urban policy. 

  

Supporting policymakers, businesses, and citizens 

I work closely with different institutions to ensure that my research supports practical, evidence-based policy. My findings contribute to: 

Urban development and zoning strategies 

Investments in public transport  

Affordable housing policies  

Greater gender equity in the labor market 

  

A commitment to academic and societal impact 

In addition to research, I am deeply engaged in teaching and academic collaboration. I teach urban economics and microeconomics to students at CBS, helping to prepare the next generation of economists and decision-makers. I’ve also led international collaborations focused on solving urban problems like congestion, pollution, and housing pressure. Through my academic work, I hope to continue contributing to better, more inclusive cities - both in Denmark and beyond. 

Recent research projects

Connecting Copenhagen. Urban structure, policy spillovers, and well-being

Danish institutions, laws, and regulations combine to create functional local labor and housing markets.

Robots, productivity and geography

Rapid technological advances are enabling robots and other smart machines to perform an increasing number of production activities that were once carried out by humans.

Understanding immigrant neighbors impact on native Danes

This project aims to understand the impact of immigrant influx on the residential mobility of native Danes and the resulting outcomes for those who remain in their original neighborhoods.

Outside activities

Member of expert committee on price statistics at Statistics Denmark, 2024–ongoing

Member of the Copenhagen Metro and the Greater Copenhagen Light Rail’s Review Board, 2022–ongoing

Member of liaison group on real estate statistics at Statistics Denmark, 2019–ongoing

Court of Appeal of Eastern Denmark appointed independent valuer, 2023–2024