About the Initiative
In the evolving global economic landscape, the need for mutual understanding between government and business is more crucial than ever. Through immersive education programs, enlightening conferences, and expert insights, we aim to bridge this divide. We invite you to explore the following questions and answers to gain a deeper understanding of our Initiative's context, risks, problems, solutions, and the unique value we bring to the table.
The Context
What is the current context within which the Commercial Diplomacy Initiative operates?
The Commercial Diplomacy Initiative operates in an environment where distinct 'visible hands' have intentionally intervened in various sectors of the global economy. This poses a threat to prosperity and the liberal international economic order. In response, the United States, along with its allies and partners, has resorted to quasi-industrial policies. However, these reactions could potentially escalate the risk to continued prosperity by introducing increased inefficiencies in the allocation of scarce resources.
The Risk
What risks does increased government intervention in economies present?
Increased governmental intervention in economies tends to diminish long-term prosperity and heightens the probability of conflict. Furthermore, nationalist reactions from Western governments, including the United States, risk ushering in a new economic order. This order could potentially be dominated by central government planning, aligning with the preferences of rival governance models rather than fostering free-market principles.
The Problem
What is the primary problem that the Commercial Diplomacy Initiative seeks to address?
The Commercial Diplomacy Initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gaps and misunderstandings between the business and government sectors. These gaps pose a significant risk to stifling the innovation necessary for driving U.S. economic growth. A lack of knowledge and understanding, both real and perceived, among government officials about business objectives and constraints, and vice versa, threatens U.S. economic competitiveness. The Initiative strives to improve mutual comprehension and collaboration between these sectors to safeguard and advance U.S. economic interests.
Our Solution
What solution does the Commercial Diplomacy Initiative propose to address this problem?
The Commercial Diplomacy Initiative aims to cultivate real understanding and creative collaboration through a variety of means. These include immersive, short, and intense customized programs and coursework, conferences, seminars, and expert insight. The objective is to foster a mutual understanding of how business operates and how government works among mid-to-senior-level government officials and business leaders. By offering executive education-style experiences and business school-like coursework on subjects such as finance, supply chain, corporate strategy, and decision making, ÃÛÌÒ½´Cox can effectively and efficiently bridge the knowledge and understanding gaps between business and government. Its strategic location in the heart of Dallas further enhances its potential for impact.
Why Us
Why should the Commercial Diplomacy Initiative be trusted to provide this solution?
The Commercial Diplomacy Initiative at ÃÛÌÒ½´Cox is comprised of a dedicated team of practitioners and academics capable of bridging the vast and diverse business and government communities. Our expansive network of leaders who have served in government and led in the private sector positions us uniquely in this endeavor. Our extensive resident knowledge and experience with how government works, coupled with our resident expertise in how business operates, makes CDI@Cox exceptionally equipped to minimize the knowledge gaps and misunderstandings. We aim to preserve the creativity and innovation necessary for the United States and its allies and partners to compete effectively and efficiently in today's world.
The Payoff
What will be the payoff from the Commercial Diplomacy Initiative's efforts?
By reducing knowledge gaps and minimizing misunderstanding between government and business, we anticipate fostering more creative collaboration across these communities. For government officials, such engagement should yield more creative and effective policy options to maintain economic competitiveness. For business leaders, this interaction should result in improved risk management and corporate decision making. Ultimately, for the enduring national interests of the United States, a “less visible hand” should increase the likelihood of preserving the entrepreneurial spirit responsible for American prosperity.
This is a carousel with auto-rotating slides. Activate any of the buttons to disable rotation. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate
"In our economic competition with China, the United States Government should encourage private investment but mainly through broad tax policy rather than an industrial policy approach." ~Dr. Kathleen Cooper
"Defending against foreign, state assisted commercial espionage is not a task the United State Government is equipped or even authorized to address. Certainly, government can do more, but success in protecting our IP requires cooperation and collaboration among the private sector, our universities, other research institutions, government, and our allies and partners." ~Dr. Glenn Chafetz, Director, 2430 Group
"To be economically competitive, we must foster creative ways for our business and government leaders to engage. Businesses must know how to effectively connect with U.S. embassies and government leaders must be aware of American businesses operating in their country of assignment and be able to familiarize businesses with country regulations and issues." ~Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
"Promotion of American business is everyone’s job whether in the private sector or government." ~Ambassador Ron Kirk
"Commercial Diplomacy really involves every agency in the U.S. government that supports our private sector overseas. We need to compete more effectively, and we need to get folks together to learn about one other as they learn about the private sector. It’s only the country." ~Ambassador David Miller
Get in touch
Want to support the initiative? Want to collaborate, or just share ideas over a cup of coffee? Email us at commercialdiplomacy@smu.edu.