Comprehensive Research OrganizationWaseda University

The time has come to study the role that investment behavior based on a long-term perspective in family business firms and the development of new business fields by successors (so-called “second start-ups”) play in enhancing the growth and innovation potential of the Japanese economy, rather than a study on firms based on their size and durability.
To promote research on family business management at a higher level, it is essential to actively collaborate and network with various academic fields, such as history, family psychology, business management, and cultural anthropology, and facilitate the mutual exchange of research and the development of each field. Furthermore, researchers, family business managers, and consultants interested in academic research should be invited to participate to learn theories and practical methods that contribute to family business management in an integrated manner. In this field, more advanced research is underway overseas, mainly in Europe and the United States. Even though there are many leading family businesses in Japan, it does not necessarily mean that they have been academically well-researched. For this reason, it is meaningful to create a place for research and exchange with researchers and practitioners involved in family business management, as well as a place for Waseda University to disseminate its message. Therefore, the Global Family Business Research Institute will continue its activities for the next five years, taking advantage of the strength of Waseda University as a major university in Japan, conducting interdisciplinary research on eminent family businesses, and sharing comprehensive research results with society.
The main objectives of the Institute are as follows
1.To promote, deepen, and enhance interdisciplinary research on family business management
2. International joint research and exchange of ideas
3. To train and raise the level of researchers and managers in family business management
4. To improve the ability to analyze theories and provide guidance on effective and efficient management activities of family firms
5. Raise the awareness of important roles of family firms in our society
To achieve the goals above, the following research activities will be conducted.
1) Conducting individual research
Conducting individual research, with particular emphasis on visiting family businesses in Japan and abroad
2) Hosting study groups
Participation of researchers, family business owners, and family business supporters is planned.
3) Publication of research results in the form of articles and publications
4) Hosting symposiums to present research findings
5) Various activities to improve the awareness of the importance of family business in society

The past five years are positioned as the “start-up period” and the next five years as the “development period”. To deepen our specific research, we plan to conduct on-site surveys of family businesses in Japan and overseas, start a series of study groups inviting family business managers, and create stronger collaborative relationship in a sustainable manner with relevant overseas graduate schools. We also intend to enhance our ability to share findings of our study through writing and publishing research papers and holding international symposiums.