Nissan Seminar: How Firms, Bureaucrats, and Ministries Benefit from the Revolving Door: Evidence from Japan (Professor Trevor Incerti, Amsterdam)
Convener(s): Professor Hugh Whittaker and Professor Kristi Govella
A growing literature finds high returns to firms with legislative connections. Less attention has been paid to returns from bureaucratic connections and to organizations beyond for-profit firms. Using data recording the first post-bureaucracy position occupied by all former civil servants in Japan, Dr. Incerti reveals a bifurcated job market for former bureaucrats. High-ranking officials from elite economic ministries are more likely to join for-profit firms, where they generate returns such as increased government loans and positive stock market reactions. Lower-ranking officials are more likely to join nonprofits linked to government ministries, which receive higher-value contracts when former bureaucrats are in leadership roles. These patterns suggest that while firms wish to hire bureaucrats who can deliver tangible benefits, ministries also shape revolving door pathways by directing benefits to ensure long-term career value for civil servants. These findings reframe revolving door dynamics as the result of both firm-driven demand and bureaucratic incentives.
Trevor Incerti is Assistant Professor of Political Economy in the Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. Dr. Incerti’s main area of research is in comparative political economy, with a focus on the role of money in politics and business influence in politics. Additionally, his research explores how economic stimuli shape political behavior and preferences. Much of his work focuses on East Asia, particularly Japan. Dr. Incerti’s research is published in the American Journal of Political Science, American Political Science Review, British Journal of Political Science, Journal of Politics, and Political Analysis, among other outlets. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University and B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
