KSG Establishes Partnership with Japanese Business Group

December 09, 1999

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HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

In a period of increasing pressures from the globalization of economic markets and instantaneous communication, there is an unmet need to conduct new research and provide innovative training and support. Business executives now operate in a global economy and are increasingly engaged with government officials in shaping public policy.

Building on the idea that it is valuable not only to understand the institutions and practices in one’s own country, but also the institutions and practices in other countries, the Center for Business and Government at the Kennedy School of Government has formed a partnership with the Kansai Keizai Doyukai ("Doyukai"), a Japanese business association based in Osaka.

Funded by an endowment gift from various Doyukai member companies, the program will have three areas of focus: research programs relevant to the Center and the Doyukai; a fellowship program beginning in fall 2000 that annually will host two Japanese fellows at the Center for Business and Government; and executive sessions involving Harvard faculty and Doyukai members. In addition, drawing from institutions in the Kansai region of Japan, the initiative will develop case studies to be used at universities and businesses to better understand the relationship of business and government.

"The establishment of a long-term relationship with the Kansai region is one of this year’s most satisfying developments for the Center for Business and Government," said Center Director Roger Porter. "The generous gift from the Doyukai will sustain programs that will provide for the exchange of ideas between the Center faculty and Doyukai members. This partnership will make it possible for the Center to continue to make substantial contributions in addressing the business-government agenda as we prepare for the 21st century."

The Doyukai is an association of senior executives and board directors of business and industrial firms from the Kansai region of Japan who bring their leadership skills as volunteers to stimulate and vitalize the economy in their region. The members make recommendations on major issues that relate to Japanese business and social policy.

The Center for Business and Government at the Kennedy School was established in 1982 to help meet the challenges of making democratic political institutions and market-oriented economic arrangements work well. For a decade and a half, the Center has conducted policy-oriented research, organized stimulating symposia, and developed innovative curricula on a variety of international, domestic, and institutional issues at the intersection of business and government.

The Center concentrates on three mutually reinforcing tasks – relevance in research, excellence in teaching, and timeliness in bridge-building activities that engage decision-makers in both business and government.