Today BlackRock
(NYSE:BLK) and the National
Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) issued a call for papers
that address global governance challenges. The academic community and
governance practitioners are invited to submit original papers focused
on emerging issues and opportunities likely to impact boardrooms over
the next decade.
Papers should focus on the potential risks and opportunities associated
with seven global, disruptive forces: economic, geopolitical,
competitive, technological, social/demographic, innovation, and
environmental. These disruptive forces represent the strategic framework
of NACD’s
Directorship 2020, a multi-year initiative focused on identifying
the resources and performance requirements of boards over the next
decade.
The second annual global competition will award the authors of the top
paper a monetary prize of $5,000 and the opportunity to present the
paper at the 2015 NACD
Spring Forum to an audience of leading corporate directors and
governance experts. For full details of how to enter, visit www.NACDonline.org/CallForPapers.
"As long-term investors with a vested interest in good corporate
governance, BlackRock is pleased to partner with the NACD, directors,
and the academic community to encourage research in the field," said
Rich Kushel, deputy COO of BlackRock.
2013-2014 marked the inauguration of this global competition.
Submissions were received from students and researchers at 37 colleges
and universities in 13 countries on six continents. Papers were judged
on how effectively the ideas presented could be implemented to enhance
corporate governance and responsible investment practices.
The 2014-2015 competition narrows the broader focus of the previous
year’s topic and asks entrants to link the seven disruptive forces
listed above to their potential impacts on shareholders, corporate
boards, or both.
“The corporate governance landscape is evolving, creating a need for
directors and governance leaders to prepare now for the challenges and
opportunities the next decade will bring,” said Ken
Daly, president and CEO of NACD. “The ideas fostered by this global
competition will result in greater connectivity between corporate
governance theories and leading practices, benefiting the entire
governance community over the long-term.”
The submission process is composed of two stages: abstracts and final
papers. Abstracts are due by June 1, 2014, to corporategovernance@BlackRock.com.
Authors selected to submit a full paper will be notified by July 1,
2014, and final paper submissions are due by Sept. 30, 2014.
Papers must be academically and technically sound, as determined by a
panel of leading academics, corporate directors, and corporate
governance practitioners. As in the inaugural competition, winners will
be selected based on real-world applicability in the boardroom and
marketplace. To learn more about the program, visit www.NACDonline.org/CallForPapers
or submit any questions to corporategovernance@BlackRock.com.
About BlackRock
BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and
advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At
Dec. 31, 2013, BlackRock’s AUM was $4.324 trillion. BlackRock helps
clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of
products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares®
(exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock
also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system
services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock
Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of Dec. 31, 2013, the
firm had approximately 11,400 employees in more than 30 countries and a
major presence in key global markets, including North and South America,
Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional
information, please visit the Company’s website at www.blackrock.com.
About NACD
The National
Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the recognized
authority focused on advancing exemplary board leadership and
establishing leading boardroom practices. Informed by more than 35 years
of experience, NACD delivers insights and resources that more than
14,000 corporate director members rely upon to make sound strategic
decisions and confidently confront complex business challenges. NACD
provides world-class director education programs, national peer exchange
forums, and proprietary research to promote director professionalism,
ultimately enhancing the economic sustainability of enterprises and
bolstering stakeholder confidence. Fostering collaboration among
directors, investors, and governance stakeholders, NACD is shaping the
future of board leadership. To learn more about NACD, visit www.NACDonline.org.
To become an NACD member, contact Kelly Dodd at kkdodd@NACDonline.org
or 202-380-1891.
BlackRock® is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other
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©2014 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright Business Wire 2014