Overview
The purpose of this book is to connect the three domains of (1) ESG investment, (2) Industrie 4.0, and (3) blockchain technology through the common concept of “data,” and to illustrate how these elements are transforming modern industrial structures and corporate governance. The book is organized into four parts, introducing the key concepts and theoretical models necessary for understanding its structure. First, the chapter reinterprets ESG investment through the lens of Max Weber’s ethics, positioning environmental, social, and governance factors not merely as indicators but as essential “information” that shapes corporate decision-making. It also examines the differences between ESG and SRI (using Euler and Venn diagrams), addresses the challenges of greenwashing and possible countermeasures, and discusses how pension systems incorporate future value. Next, using the automotive industry as an example, the chapter explains how Industrie 4.0, the IoT, and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are reshaping production processes and governance structures. A key point here is the shift from a traditional understanding of corporate value—once perceived in a “reified” form—to a society in which such value is increasingly visualized and assessed through data. By applying frameworks such as Porter’s Value Chain and Stan Shih’s Smiling Curve, the chapter analyzes the datafication of corporate behavior and its implications. Furthermore, the chapter explores how the development of blockchain technology contributes to rebuilding trust, advancing decentralized governance, and enhancing transparency. This reflects a transition from an economy centered on production to one in which the “design of exchange” plays a central role in determining value. Finally, the chapter employs interdisciplinary models—such as the Stakeholder Matrix, the St. Gallen Management Model, POW and POS, Hegelian dialectics, and Popper’s Three Worlds—to show how these three domains interact and complement one another as society moves, often unconsciously, toward a more sustainable economic model. Blockchain technology, in particular, serves as a key to understanding this transition, offering insights into how forms of exchange rooted in capitalist “reification” or “fetishism” are being reshaped.
Full Product Details
Author: Kazuyuki Shimizu
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore
Imprint: Springer Verlag, Singapore
ISBN: 9789819569267
ISBN 10: 9819569265
Pages: 205
Publication Date: 23 May 2026
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Tertiary & Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Availability: Not yet available
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Author Information
Prof. Dr. Kazuyuki Shimizu is a prominent scholar and Professor of Business Administration at Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan. With a deep expertise in corporate governance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, and the transformative impact of blockchain and Industry 4.0 technologies on business practices, Prof. Shimizu has made significant contributions to the field of business administration and management. He earned his Ph.D. in Commerce from Meiji University, where his dissertation focused on ""Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility in Germany,"" highlighting the transformation of stakeholder power structures and capital markets in the context of German corporate governance. Prof. Shimizu’s academic journey also includes a Master of Business Administration from Meiji University, along with international study experiences at the University of Freiburg and Goethe-Institut in Germany. These diverse academic experiences have equipped him with a broad and nuanced understanding of global business practices and governance systems. Prof. Shimizu’s research interests lie at the intersection of corporate governance, stakeholder management, and technological innovation. He has extensively explored how emerging technologies, such as blockchain and AI-driven systems, influence corporate governance and ESG investing. His work delves into the countervailing power of decentralized organizations (DAOs) and the ethical implications of these technologies, as reflected in his recent publications and conference presentations. Throughout his career, Prof. Shimizu has held various academic and industry positions that underscore his expertise. He has served as a visiting scholar at the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick, where he contributed to the International Management and Global Business MSc program. His professional experience also includes significant roles in the financial industry, where he managed institutional investor relations and foreign equity sales at leading firms such as WestLB Securities Ltd. and Barclays Capital Securities Ltd. Prof. Shimizu has been an active participant in international academic conferences, where his research has garnered attention for its practical relevance and innovative approach. His publications cover a wide range of topics, from the implications of AI and blockchain in business ethics to the transformation of corporate governance in response to digitalization. His work has been featured in prestigious journals and conference proceedings, making him a respected voice in the global business academic community. In addition to his academic and research achievements, Prof. Shimizu is fluent in multiple languages, including Japanese, German, and English, which enhances his ability to engage with diverse audiences and contribute to international discourse on business and technology. Prof. Shimizu's research is particularly valuable to those interested in understanding the future of corporate governance and sustainability in the context of rapid technological advancements. His insights provide a critical framework for navigating the complexities of modern business environments, making his work an essential resource for academics, practitioners, and policymakers alike.
