Professor Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Receives Fulbright Specialist Award to Mongolia

https://news.num.edu.mn/?p=114832

In November 2025, Jay Nathan, Ph. D., Professor of Management at St. John's University's Peter J. Tobin College of Business, was selected for a prestigious Fulbright Specialist Award by the US Department of State, where he will complete a research project on the future of economic development in Mongolia. He shared his thoughts on the economic potential of the country recently with a Mongolian news organization.      

Could you describe your research background, please?

Since 2020, my teaching and research have focused on global engagement with local modernization. My work includes academic articles and published books  that explore creative approaches to business development, especially to Mongolia, since it is a landlocked country today. Unlike countries with access to oceans for maritime trade, Mongolia is at a disadvantage to grow its economy beyond trade with neighboring countries. So, Mongolia requires a unique business model to engage globally, to modernize locally, for innovation and technology.  Mongolia, as a republic, with a land mass about the size of continental Europe, with high literacy rate and one of the lowest population densities in the world, has tremendous opportunities for new businesses and innovation.

My experience in teaching and research on countries and cultures suggests integrating Mongolia’s traditional values, and complementing with business cultures of Scandinavian countries—such as Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. I believe that Scandinavian business cultures of transparency, sustainability, trust, and social responsibility, align well with Mongolia’s economic, cultural, and social contexts. Over the past five to six years, I have been developing this concept of modernizing Mongolian business culture through my Fulbright experiences in Scandinavian countries. In my view, this approach can contribute not only to economic and business developments but also to greater social well-being and satisfaction among Mongolian people.

As a practical idea, I see strong potential in developing light manufacturing facilities, by creating free trade and innovation zones along the route from Chinggis Khaan International Airport to Ulaanbaatar city. Scandinavian business professionals could visit partnering with such manufacturing and assembly plants and stay for two to three weeks in Mongolia, while Mongolian young professionals and students gain hands-on experience by working in these factories alongside with partnering Scandenavian (or, Nordic) professionals. This would represent a new and innovative model of knowledge transfer and workforce development. Additionally, manufactured or assembled electronic parts, including semiconductor-related chips can be exported from Mongolia, by having an expanded cargo shipping and receiving facility at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport.

How do you see the current Mongolian economic and business development?

I believe Mongolia has strong potential to participate in global value chains by producing specialized components rather than heavy industrial goods. For example, certain parts of electronic equipment and digital components—such as light, high-value electronic or chip-related parts—could be manufactured in Mongolia and exported to Scandinavian countries by air cargo shipments.

This approach does not require large-scale heavy industry, but instead focuses on precision, quality, and technological capability. Scandinavian countries could play a key role by supporting technology transfer, training, and business partnerships, thereby helping Mongolia develop a competitive niche in the digital and electronics sector. Currently, Mongolia does not have collaborative relationships in the electronics or digital networking industries, with businesses in the Western world.

Have you ever participated in establishing start-up companies or generated ideas for them?

Yes, I have actively generated ideas related to start-up development and international business cooperation. In particular, I believe, as a start, a high-level dialogue—such as discussions involving the Mongolian President or Prime Minister with the Finnish Embassy—could initiate concrete business development projects based on the ideas I have outlined.  After partnerships with Finnish businesses, other Scandinavian business partnerships can be pursued.

With proper planning and international collaboration, I believe these initiatives are realistic and could be implemented within two to three years. By identifying major Scandinavian companies through targeted research and inviting them to cooperate, Mongolia could attract strong partners. Based on my 18 years of experience working with Mongolia, I am confident that Mongolian and Scandinavian cultures are highly compatible in terms of business ethics and organizational culture.

I have also worked closely with Mongolian universities, academic researchers, rectors, provosts, Economic Development and the National Statistical offices, which has given me a good understanding of both academic and administrative institutions in Mongolia.

What are your plans for developing the partnership between the National University of Mongolia and St. John’s University?

As part of strengthening academic cooperation, I plan to support student exchange programs between the National University of Mongolia and St. John’s University. Specifically, I am prepared to provide scholarships for two or three  students from the National University of Mongolia to study and research at St. John’s University for one semester.

In addition, I have established a guesthouse, and accommodation and food can be provided on a shared basis, which would help reduce costs and ensure a supportive environment for visiting students and scholars. This partnership would promote academic exchange, cultural understanding, and long-term institutional and professional collaborations.

Interviewed by: Mendbayar Shuurai, Director of International Relations, National University of Mongolia