Professor Tony Chapman

This new study, funded by Institute for Local Governance will conclude with a regional seminar on Japanese inward investment in June 2015.  It is hoped that this will take place at Teikyo University Durham. The study aims to get a better understanding of the ‘journeys’ Japanese companies have made in establishing themselves in the North East. In so doing, the intention is to examine:

• Perceptions of the initial impetus to established plants in the North East, the welcome received by the region, and the subsequent efforts that have been made to embed industrial interactions and employee relationships in economic, political and cultural terms.
• Perceptions about the relationships with other Japanese companies in the region and the degree of direct and indirect economic/business interaction with them and indigenous UK firms inside and outside of the supply chain.
• Assess the potential for improving labour market conditions for young people in the region as employees and assess potential for encouraging enterprising activity amongst young people in the region.
• Consider the contribution Japanese inward investment has made to strengthening social growth in North East England.

Interviews will take place with Japanese firms which are well established in the region together with Hitachi which is building a major new plant in Newton Aycliffe.

As the study is interested in cultural and political factors, it will also examine the extent of social assimilation of Japanese firms into North East England and consider the extent to which the indigenous UK population have capitalised on new opportunities (as partners, sub-contractors, local politicians and economic development strategists, employees and families, friends and neighbours).