2025 APMASS
2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Management and Social Sciences
June 17-19, 2025 Osaka, Japan
Osaka International House Foundation
8 Chome-2-6 Uehonmachi, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0001, Japan
Dear Distinguished Delegates, Scholars, Researchers, and Peers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Higher Education Forum, I am honored to welcome you to the June 2025 Interdisciplinary Conference in Osaka. This event encompasses several prestigious conferences: HKICEPS (International Conference on Education, Psychology, and Society), APMASS (Asia Pacific Conference on Management and Social Sciences), APLSBE (Asia-Pacific Conference on Life Science and Biological Engineering), and ICEIT (International Conference on Engineering and Technology Innovation). Our goal is to bring together scholars, researchers, students, professors, and professionals from various disciplines to share their knowledge, present new research, and exchange academic experiences.
By attending different sessions, we gain exposure to diverse research, understand the significance of various studies and their outcomes, and become more aware of the interconnections and mutual boundaries we share. Recognizing the intertwined and interdependent nature of all disciplines, we can work together to create harmony and a holistic approach on the global educational and professional stage, ultimately achieving more for our society.
This conference encourages all attendees to seize the opportunity to interact with other professionals both academically and culturally. Such interactions are the first steps toward fostering intercultural understanding, acceptance, and progress toward a better future.
As your local host, I believe there is no better place for this interdisciplinary conference than Osaka. This vibrant city is renowned for its rich culture and warm, friendly people. Iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and the bustling Dotonbori district, famous for its neon lights and street food, are must-see attractions. Visitors can explore the historic Tenmangu Shrine or enjoy panoramic views from the Umeda Sky Building. Osaka's culinary scene is a delight, with must-try dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Whether you're exploring its cultural sites or savoring its cuisine, Osaka offers an unforgettable experience.
Having lived in many parts of the world, I proudly call Osaka my home. Thank you, and welcome to my home. I hope you enjoy the experiences of scholastic exchange and the wonders of Osaka.
About Prof. Kang-Kook Lee
Kang-Kook Lee is a Professor in the College of Economics at Ritsumeikan University. His research interests encompass economic growth, inequality, financial globalization and the East Asian economy. He graduated from the Department of Economics and the Graduate School of Economics at Seoul National University. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Massachusetts, with a focus on capital account liberalization and economic development.
He published several books and numerous papers in academic journals including the Cambridge Journal of economics. As a visiting scholar, he has been affiliated with Columbia University in 2009, the University of Cambridge in 2018, and Seoul National University in 2019. He also serves as a co-editor of The Japanese Political economy.
Income Inequality and Innovation: An Empirical Analysis
In recent years, there has been serious concern about the rising income inequality and its negative effect on economic growth. Numerous theoretical and empirical studies in economics indeed report that inequality has a negative impact on economic growth. They highlight various channels, including the depression of education among poor families along with financial market failures, worsening of political conflicts and institutional development, and stagnation of aggregate demand. However, the effect of inequality on innovation has not been extensively studied yet, even though innovation and productivity growth are essential to economic growth. This paper empirically examines the effect of income inequality on innovation, measured by patents and total factor productivity growth. This paper first reviews the related literature, and discusses the potential negative relationship between inequality and innovation. It conducts an empirical analysis using cross-country data on patents, productivity growth, and income inequality in the 2000s. After controlling for several important factors affecting innovation, the study finds that inequality of income and opportunity as well are negatively associated with innovation. This suggests that we should make efforts to reduce inequality in order to promote inclusive and innovative economic growth.
