About SPE

SPE aspires to become a leading institution for praxis-oriented research in political economy, finance, and leadership and management. Its mission is to cultivate globally minded leaders with interdisciplinary expertise and intercultural competence.

By integrating rigorous research, practical training, and policy engagement, SPE advances sustainable development through partnerships with academia, industry, and government. Its interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes holistic leadership grounded in humanistic scholarship, technological innovation, and economic sustainability. All these endeavors prepare students and faculty to address complex global challenges and foster positive social impact.

Our Motto: SPE Scientiae, SPE Civitatis

At the core of SPE lies its Latin motto: SPE Scientiae, SPE Civitatis. The word spe—meaning “hope” in Latin and simultaneously serving as the School’s acronym—embodies its dual mission: the advancement of knowledge (Scientiae) and the service of society (Civitatis).

Conceived by the School’s founding leadership team, this motto reflects SPE’s enduring commitment to rigorous inquiry, intellectual integrity, and civic responsibility. It has been further enriched by student-led translations: “Trust in Knowledge, Hope in Society” (by Tim Steczka) and 「以所問治世，望所學濟民」 (by Li-Tzu Chang). Together, these renderings bridge Western and Eastern traditions of thought, uniting the ideals of scholarship and service in a shared vision of intellectual leadership and societal transformation.

Our Symbolic Color: Very Peri

SPE’s symbolic color is Very Peri (Pantone 17-3938), first introduced as Pantone’s Color of the Year 2022. This periwinkle blue with violet-red undertones combines the trust and stability of blue with the energy and dynamism of red.

For Pantone, Very Peri reflects a world in transition, converging digital and physical realities while aspiring toward renewal through creativity. For SPE, its adoption is more than aesthetic; it represents an affirmation of the School’s identity. Very Peri thus embodies innovation, resilience, and imagination, and this unique color also resonates with the hope-filled promise in its motto.

Legacy and Identity

Together, the Latin motto and symbolic color define the enduring spirit of SPE. Rooted in NTU’s tradition of intellectual rigor and civic engagement, these symbols articulate SPE’s distinctive identity of embracing a forward-looking vision of transformation and creativity. They affirm the School’s commitment to cultivating leaders who embody knowledge, hope, and resilience, and who are prepared to redefine the future through scholarship and service.

Theoria, Poiesis, and Praxis

SPE’s pedagogical approach features theoria (critical thinking), poiesis (creative application), and praxis (practical action). This tripartite framework is implemented through case studies, simulations, and fieldwork, to enable students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills and to foster problem-solving abilities applicable to complex real-world scenarios.

Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Education

SPE’s English-language curriculum caters to both domestic and international students. It incorporates contemporary developments in international politics, economics, and finance to foster critical thinking skills relevant to global contexts. Students benefit from opportunities to develop intercultural competence through exchange programs, international internships, and transnational research projects.

The interdisciplinary education allows our students to optimize resource utilization and enables them to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and interdependencies within these fields.

Global Engagement and Mobility

SPE actively cultivates strategic partnerships with leading international universities and research institutions to enhance its global standing and impact. These collaborations provide access to world-class resources and methodologies, where to foster robust student and faculty exchange programs. The SPE’s commitment to openness and collaboration is integral to its pursuit of academic excellence and global recognition.

Established partnerships include the collaborative research program with UC Berkeley’s Robbins Collection Research Center and the student exchange program with the Law School at UC Berkeley, the Inbound Dual Degree Program with the University of Melbourne, and student mobility and joint degree programs with Kyushu University and Waseda University in Japan and Sciences Po Paris and Sciences Po Grenoble UGA in France.

SPE further leverages technology to enhance global engagement by offering generous scholarships to students, hosting prominent academic events for the public, and inviting distinguished scholars—including Nobel laureates, globally recognized leaders, and corporate magnates—to serve as visiting professors and speakers. Remote learning technologies also facilitate the full participation of international students in SPE’s academic programs.