Postdoctoral Researcher ("Inclusive Economic Growth Models for Asian Countries")

Erasmus University Rotterdam & Hanyang University (in partnership with the Economics of Mutuality Foundation, the Center for the Economics of Mutuality and The Asia Foundation) are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in ‘Inclusive Economic Growth Models for Asian Countries’

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), through its research Initiative “Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity” (DoIP) and Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) in partnership with Hanyang University (HYU), The Asia Foundation (TAF), the Economics of Mutuality Foundation (EoM) and the Centre for the Economics of Mutuality (CEM) are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher for two years on the topic of inclusive economic growth models for Asia. This study is jointly funded and co-organized by these two universities in partnership with the other above mentioned civil society organizations. The postdoc project is conducted as part of wider initiative to develop an international knowledge base on conditions and models for inclusive economic growth in which considerations of environmental preservation and socio-economic justice are central. The generated knowledge and models will be widely disseminated to companies, governments, and civil society, and are aimed at promoting transformation towards social and environmental transformation. However, it also acknowledges that different countries and continents have different cultural and institutional backgrounds and therefore different institutional requirements. The postdoc will be based half of his/her time at Hanyang University in Seoul and the other half at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. He/she will also be interacting closely with The Asia Foundation and EoM/CEM who hold both the organizational and personal networks required for data collection and knowledge dissemination.

Research Theme “Inclusive Economic Growth Models”

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher on the topic of inclusive growth models operating at the intersection of economics (both macro and micro), business administration and public policy. He or she will be based at Erasmus University Rotterdam (months 1-6), Hanyang University (months 7-18) and again at Erasmus University (months 19-24) to synthesize existing theoretical insights on inclusive prosperity, inclusive capitalism, shareholder and stakeholder-oriented models of capitalism, corporate governance, varieties of capitalism and other related bodies of theory. These insights will then be converted into an analytical framework that can be applied to Asian countries in a selection of which data will be collected to find pathways for transformation towards (more) socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth models. Apart from scientific relevance, societal relevance is crucial in the sense that the models, findings and ideas will be actively shared with the corporate and government communities in Asia and elsewhere to set change in motion.

Profile

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to:

• -Develop a knowledge base on and actively share knowledge on the research theme “Inclusive Economic Growth Models for Asia” in close collaboration with partners including Erasmus University Rotterdam (RSM & DoIP), Hanyang University (Impact Science Research Center), The Asia Foundation (TAF), the Economics of Mutuality foundation (EoM) and the Centre for the Economics of Mutuality (CEM).
• -Make theoretical and empirical progress under the academic supervision from representatives of both Erasmus University and Hanyang University, with input from TAF and EoM.
• -Conduct original interdisciplinary research at the intersection of economics, sustainable development, business and public policy and co-author high-brow policy reports and scientific articles in leading journals and contribute to improving the social and environmental inclusion of capitalist economic systems in Asia and beyond.
• -Disseminate the research at and participate in relevant international professional workshops and academic conferences.

The successful candidate will have:

• -A (nearly of fully completed) PhD in economics, business or public policy (or combination thereof) and a demonstrable engagement with topics of inclusion, sustainability, institutional or evolutionary economics.
• -A developing publication record with proven excellence in the above-mentioned fields. Prior publications in SSCI/SCI/SCI-E/A&HCI indexed journals are an important consideration.
• -An active interest in and commitment to interaction with stakeholders in the public and private sectors and civil society.
• -Excellent (native or near-native) skills in the English language, both written and spoken, and an ability to converse at a professional level in Chinese, Korean and/or other key languages in Asia is a plus.
• -The ability and willingness to adapt to different contexts and lifestyles in Asia and Europe.
• -The ability and willingness to think across disciplinary boundaries and find practically workable rather than theoretically orthodox solutions.
• -An entrepreneurial attitude, outstanding social skills, and ability to work in teams.

Conditions of employment

The successful candidate is expected to start before March 1st, 2022. In the first six months and the last six months of the program, the successful candidate will be based at RSM in Rotterdam (and on travels within Europe). Months 7-18 will be spent in Seoul (and on travels within Asia). 80% of the position is to be devoted to research that contributes to a knowledge base and publications on the “Inclusive Economic Growth Models for Asia” research theme, the rest on teaching and/or administrative duties.

While in Rotterdam, the postdoc will be mainly focused on literature study and paper/report writing and developing relevant networks there. While in Korea, the post-doc candidate is expected to focus on data collection, field visits, interviews and analysis and travels to other Asian cities for these purposes.

The candidate is expected to follow regular working hours (9am-6pm, 5 days a week), and generate at least one publication in an SSCI/SCI/SCI-E/A&HCI indexed journal (co-authored with the participating researchers of this project), required within 2 years after the completion of the research project. He or she should be eligible to receive a E-3 visa in order to work in South Korea. As for the visa requirement and process, please check the attached file.

The successful postdoc candidate will receive a (guaranteed) monthly salary of 3,300,000 KRW (i.e., around 3,000 USD at the exchange rate of 1,100 KRW/USD) for the 2 years’ employment contract with Hanyang University. Travel expenses for this research project (e.g., data collection, interviews, etc.) will be covered with permission from the faculty advisors, i.e., Profs. de Jong (EUR) and Shin (Hanyang University). The successful candidate will be eligible to apply for the Korean National Health Insurance.

In addition, s/he can apply to Hanyang Postdoc Research Grant. If accepted, s/he will receive an additional monthly salary of up to 1,100,000 KRW for 1 year (i.e., around $1,000 USD at the exchange rate of 1,100 KRW/USD) with some additional requirements (e.g., at least one publication at a SSCI/SCI/SCI-E level journal within 2 years after receiving the grant). Moreover, extra budget for traveling/data collection expenses will be provided for the recipient of the grant, which will be later announced.

Participating Organizations

Erasmus University Rotterdam

The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, both in its education and research activities. On the lively, modern campus, more than 28.000 students and scholars of more than 100 nationalities are constantly encouraged to develop their talents and meet their ambition. Our more than 2700 scientists and employees work together with all our students to solve challenges faced by global society, drawing their inspiration from the consistently dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaging and strongly focused on practical application. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programs, EUR can compete with the foremost universities in Europe, which is reflected in its consistent top-100 position in most major university rankings. Erasmus University Rotterdam’s key values are daring, curiosity, social involvement, breaking new ground and striving for success www.eur.nl

Rotterdam School of Management

With its mission to be a force for positive change in the world, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) has firmly established its reputation over almost 50 years as one of Europe’s most international and innovative business schools. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. RSM offers a distinct intellectual culture based on the values of being critical, creative, caring and collaborative, and is committed to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for its mission.

Erasmus Initiative ‘Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity’

The Erasmus Initiative ‘Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity’ focuses on enabling as many people as possible to benefit from increasing prosperity, whilst minimizing the negative consequences. Increased prosperity requires constant coordination of the changing needs and values of governments, businesses, citizens and entrepreneurs. In order to chart this dynamic field, scholars from Erasmus School of Law, Rotterdam School of Management and the Erasmus School of Philosophy are entering into a multidisciplinary partnership.

Hanyang University

Hanyang University (HYU) is a private research university in South Korea. The main campus is in Seoul, and the second one, the Education Research Industry Cluster at Ansan, or ERICA campus, is located in Ansan. ‘Hanyang‘ is the former name of the capital Seoul which was used during the Chosun Dynasty. Its motto and educational philosophy is “Love in Deed and Truth.” HYU has an alumni network of 330,000. Notable alumni include M.K. Chung (former CEO of Hyundai Motor Group for the past 20 years), B.K. Yoon (former CEO of Samsung Electronics), and Y.J. Youn (the winner of 2020 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress). In 2019, QS World University Rankings ranked HYU 150th worldwide. In 2020, HYU was ranked 1st for the number of CEO alumni serving at over 11,000 firms in South Korea, generating 73,000 jobs and USD 550 billion annual revenues. The university welcomes over 7,400 foreign students each year. HYU has partnership with premier universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Cambridge, and Tsinghua University among its 820 partner universities in 88 countries.

In particular, HYU leads with a strong focus on impactful innovation. To equip future changemakers with social, technological, and business skills, HYU offers educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels including BA in social innovation, MA/PhD in global social economy, and MBA in ESG management, and extracurricular programs such as Youth Changemakers Program, Asia Pacific Youth Exchange Korea, and Impact Consulting Camp in Vietnam, to name a few. HYU is located close to ‘Sungsu Valley’, a symbol of social innovation in South Korea, where over 1,500 young social entrepreneurs are working together for the society. In the years to come, HYU aspires to support the ideas and actions coming out from the Valley and further cultivate the region as a hub of social innovation in Asia. Currently HYU is designated as Ashoka Changemaker Campus (https://www.ashoka.org/es/content/hanyang-university) and publishes Stanford Social Innovation Review Korean Edition.

Hanyang Impact Science Research Center

Launched in 2019, Hanyang Impact Science Research Center provides a platform where relevant research, teaching, community engagement, networking and partnership can be done in collaboration with diverse stakeholders. With prominent faculty members from business, finance, engineering, and social science, the center performs cutting-edge research and offers advanced educational programs. Prof. Hyun Shin (School of Business, Hanyang University), the director of the center, serves as Ashoka U Change Leader, and Editor of Stanford Social Innovation Review Korean Edition.

The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is the premier international development organization in Asia. Established in 1954 to improve lives and expand opportunities in Asia, it is currently managing over 400 projects in Asia in the areas of economic inclusion, governance, climate change, and international development cooperation. The Foundation is based in San Francisco with offices in Washington DC and a network of offices in 18 countries in Asia. The Asia Foundation Korea office is mandated to form partnerships and catalyze innovations to benefit other countries in Asia.

Economics of Mutuality Foundation

The leadership of Mars, Inc. asked its internal think tank the far-sighted question, “What should be the right level of profit?” before the 2008 financial crisis. Following a decade of in-depth academic research and business practice with Said Business School at Oxford University, the Economics of Mutuality emerged as a solution. The Economics of Mutuality is a groundbreaking management innovation that empowers business to thrive by meeting the needs of the world.

In 2020, recognizing its potential to reshape the landscape of business, finance, management education and policymaking, Mars took the bold decision to endorse the Economics of Mutuality leadership to establish and independent public interest foundation with a strategic management consultancy arm. The Economics of Mutuality Foundation is the public interest foundation.

The main aim of the foundation is to advance the Economics of Mutuality through business research, education and advocacy. The foundation aims to drive forward world-class research on key economic and business topics in close collaboration with leading universities around the globe through the establishment of thought-leading research labs. It teaches and trains current and future leaders to have the right skillset and mindset to champion and implement a new economic paradigm in light of today’s global challenges. It shares and disseminates high quality open-source and published materials on a variety of key themes in economics and business to drive forward a new way of thinking. Finally, it brings together professors, researchers, and students from around the world to participate in a network focused on advancing the Economics of Mutuality within universities and further afield.

Center for the Economics of Mutuality

The Center for the Economics of Mutuality was launched in March 2020 and is a collaboration between the Economic Summit, the Erasmus Initiative for the Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity, the Erasmus University and the Rotterdam School of Management. The aim of the center is to raise awareness of the concept of mutuality as a guiding principle in helping to shape business and society. As such, the center operates at the intersection between business, public policy and academia. The Center for the Economics of Mutuality does research through our academic partner, the Erasmus Initiative for the Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity. It initiates business case studies on (SME class) businesses to establish best practices for EoM in the Benelux region and beyond and it investigates which changes in legislation are needed in order to mandate companies to operate according to EoM principles.