GRIPS and Hitotsubashi University hosted a nine-day seminar program on knowledge-based management from September 22 to October 1, 2014 for ASEAN countries in response to a request from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This program highlights one part of Japan’s ODA, and the seminar aims to introduce a new approach of the leadership and the organization management with knowledge creation for which Japan is noted. This program supports the establishment of an effective training program of leaders in line with the domestic situation of the respective countries.
GRIPS welcomed 23 staff members and researchers from academic institutions and personnel administration agencies from six ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam).

Following the ice breaking by Dr. Hideki Kawada (Chief Executive Officer of Phronetic Co., Ltd.), the participants attended lectures on knowledge creation theory by Prof. Ryoko Toyama of Chuo University’s Business School. They also attended lectures on case studies by Mr. Chihiro Takayama (Director of Knowledge Creation Department, Eisai Co., Ltd.), Mr. Masayuki Uyama (Director of Living Environment Department, Mitaka City), Mr. Kenichi Kawase (Managing Director of SOHO CITY Mitaka Forum), and Mr. Tsugitoshi Hatano (President of Kizuna.Ba). Included in those lectures were comments on the practice of knowledge creation theory in the respective organizations. In addition, the participants had a chance to visit Tokushima Prefecture, and they learned about the knowledge creation theory practiced in the project from the activity of Irodori Co., Ltd in Kamikatsu Town and Green Valley (incorporated non-profit organization) in Kamiyama Town.  

Concurrently with this program, the Workshop on Leadership and Management Development in Asian Countries was held at GRIPS from September 29 to October 1. This forum was jointly organized by GRIPS and JICA with the cooperation of the research team of Prof. Emeritus Ikujiro Nonaka of Hitotsubashi University, and the participants of the seminar also participated in the policy forum as observers.

During the program, participants presented their inception reports and exchanged opinions about current problems in their respective organizations and how to apply knowledge creation theory to solve those problems and assist their organizations to develop further.