The Argyros College of Business at Chapman University has established the Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative (APGBI) to meet the growing need of leaders in business, policy, and academia for a more holistic and applied appreciation of the realities of this complex but vitally important region.
Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative
» Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative
Meet the Director
Robert Koepp serves as Director of the Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative and as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Strategy at the Argyros College of Business and Economics at Chapman University.
Prior to his roles at Chapman, Rob led the Corporate Network in Hong Kong for The Economist Group, a position in which he served as both a senior editor and chief economist based in Hong Kong. In that capacity, he advised more than 200 Asia-based C-suite executives using The Economist Intelligence Unit’s proprietary economic analytical and forecasting methodologies along with designing and implementing new research initiatives on topics ranging from China’s signature foreign economic strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative, to lessons from technological disruption in Asia.
He has authored two full-length books, Betting on China: Chinese Stocks, American Stock Markets, and the Wagers on a New Dynamic in Global Capitalism and Clusters of Creativity: Enduring Lessons on Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Silicon Valley and Europe’s Silicon Fen. His previous work in global media also includes both entertainment as well as infotainment. Leading up to its acquisition by Disney, at Marvel Entertainment Rob served as the company’s Chief Representative in Asia. He also was the English editor and translator of a best-selling Japanese manga biography on George Soros.
Rob has written a wide range of in-depth reports covering such topics as geopolitical shifts from COVID-19, disruptive technologies, digital economics, Big Data, China’s sports industry, China's Belt and Road Initiative, Asian business trends, and comparative government technology industrial policies. He frequently appears on television and at public forums discussing global trends and how to interpret ongoing developments across the Asia-Pacific.
A graduate of Pomona College (where he was a Truman Scholar and Watson Fellow) with a degree in Asian Studies, Rob earned an MBA from the University of Cambridge. In addition to his native English, Professor Koepp is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin) and Japanese and writes and speaks publicly in these three languages.
Major APGBI Activities
Distinguished Speaker Series
Featuring influential voices from the commercial, policy, and academic worlds, the Initiative periodically organizes speaking engagements that complement its ongoing research and educational programs.
March 16, 2023 - Cynthia Wang | Sustainable Investing Across the US and Asia: Rhetoric vs. Action
RSVP: Registration is free but required; click here to attend.
Asia-Pacific Economic Roundtable Luncheon Program
Throughout the academic year, the Initiative hosts lunch-time discussions for members of APGBI’s Asia-Pacific Economic Roundtable Luncheon Program. Each Roundtable session begins with the Initiative Director providing a short briefing on the month’s topic followed by free-flow discussion where participants can share opinions and raise questions with other senior organizational leaders while enjoying lunch together. Membership is by invitation only, with members representing leading organizations in business, democratic government bodies, and academia.
Outlook Summits
Held biannually, the first Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Outlook Summit will take place in Fall 2023. This major event will present the findings from the Initiative’s inaugural Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Outlook report. The Summit also brings together an eclectic panel of industry and scholarly thought leaders to discuss the Outlook and offer their own insights into what is happening in the Asia-Pacific region and what lies ahead.
Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Outlook
To be initially released at the first APGBI Summit in Fall 2023, the Outlook offers a unique blend of academically sound, practically applicable research and analysis. Beginning as a bi-annual report for release in the Fall and Spring of each year, with sufficient funding, APGBI intends for the Outlook ultimately become a quarterly report to maximize its timeliness and impact.
Index of Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business
APGBI is currently developing an Index based on specially formulated quantitative and qualitative measures. Analytically proportioning top-down, bottom-up as well as predicative metrics specially sourced from public, proprietary, and geographically diverse but reliable sources, the Index represents a first-of-its-kind window into trending geoeconomic and business developments affecting key Asia-Pacific markets.
APGBI Board of Counselors
By invitation, accomplished leaders in fields relating to the work of the Initiative have the opportunity to join the APGBI Board of Counselors. Board Counselors are invited for quarterly executive dinners where they will have the opportunity to hear directly from the Director, Prof. Robert Koepp, about ongoing Initiative research, activities, and plans. These gatherings also offer a rare chance for senior executives from diverse backgrounds with a shared interest in the Asia-Pacific region to interact with and learn from one another. Board Counselors will receive VIP seating at all APGBI events and special access to Distinguished Speakers.
APGBI Working Papers and Media Appearances
APGBI publishes occasional working papers and, more regularly, issues written and filmed commentary across various print and digital media platforms.
APGBI Social Media
Beyond traditional media forms, the Initiative engages audiences through social media, especially via Robert Koepp's LinkedIn.