The Asia Pacific Institute for the Digital Economy (APIDE) is a new think tank that seeks to mobilize the academic expertise and institutional resources of 45 major research universities in the region in cooperation with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) to promote new Internet-based technologies and policies that are vital to the future growth of the Digital Economy. A new, independent think tank for the Asia-Pacific on the future of the Digital Economy, APIDE had its start four years ago as a research group at Keio University and will remain closely affiliated with the University. Its new status as an independent non-profit institution will provide needed administrative and organizational flexibility to engage effectively with stakeholders outside the academic community. APIDE expects to work closely with national governments in crafting new rules for the digital economy; to partner with companies in developing new business models, and to assist in mobilizing the educational resources of universities to support short and long-term training for the next generation of digital leaders in the region.
