Hyundai Motor Group and the University of Oxford marked the beginning of a strategic partnership with the opening of the Oxford-Hyundai Motor Group Foresight Centre. The ceremony took place at Oxford’s historic Convocation House, symbolizing a collaborative effort aimed at exploring and shaping the Group’s long-term vision and strategic direction.
New Horizons for Strategic Foresight
Located at Saïd Business School, the Foresight Centre will serve as a hub for innovative research, designed to help Hyundai Motor Group proactively address future geopolitical shifts and risks. The Centre aims to advance progress for humanity through interdisciplinary conversations involving government agencies, academia, and industry experts, thereby developing long-term insights into future societal trends.
A Partnership Aligned in Vision
Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “This is an exciting and important partnership with the Hyundai Motor Group, that will see our world-leading research and academics shape the future of business through values-based research. Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to pursue a better future for humanity very much aligns with our School’s values, and we look forward to a fruitful and mutually enriching collaboration.”
Notable Attendees
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures from both institutions: Hyundai Motor Group – Gyun Kim, Executive Vice President of the HMG Business Intelligence Institute; Heung-Soo Kim, Executive Vice President of the Global Strategy Office.
University of Oxford: Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School; Professor Jonathan Reynolds, Deputy Dean of Saïd Business School; Professor Rafael Ramirez, Director of the Oxford Scenarios Programme; Professor Trudi Lang, Senior Fellow in Management Practice.
Strategic Research and Innovation
Gyun Kim highlighted the Centre’s role in navigating the automotive industry’s evolving landscape:
“The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift and significant changes in business environments, leading to unprecedented uncertainty. In such times, it is crucial for companies to move away from an experience-based approach and adopt a long-term perspective to identify large-scale future trends. We expect that the Foresight Centre will play a significant role in cultivating a multifaceted and comprehensive perspective on the future within the organization.”
Expanding Global Influence
The Foresight Centre will implement specialized programs, including the Oxford Scenarios Programme and Oxford Futures Forum, to disseminate strategic insights across Hyundai Motor Group. This initiative will also connect with the Group’s open innovation network in key locations such as the United States, China, India, Germany, and Singapore, fostering a global exchange of ideas and innovation.
Expert Leadership
The Centre will be directed by Professor Rafael Ramirez, a renowned expert in future scenario planning, with co-direction by Titular Associate Professor Trudi Lang. Both bring extensive experience from organizations like the World Economic Forum and the OECD Secretariat, ensuring the Centre’s leadership is well-equipped to guide strategic foresight initiatives.
A Vision for the Future
Heung-Soo Kim underscored Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to leading global market transformations: “Hyundai Motor Group is committed to proactively shaping an ideal direction for future communities to build a better world for humanity. We will foster unique capabilities to lead the way as a first mover in the global market, embarking on this ambitious journey not only for the next generation but also those to come.”
This collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and the University of Oxford sets the stage for a transformative journey in strategic foresight and long-term planning. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical insights, the Foresight Centre aims to solidify Hyundai’s leadership in the future mobility industry and beyond.
