Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) provides nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research, teaching, and policy impact in international affairs.

Target Customer

{"Policy makers and government officials","International organizations and think tanks","Academics and researchers in international studies","Stanford students (undergraduate and graduate) pursuing policy-focused education","Public-sector and private-sector partners seeking policy guidance and insights"}

Key Differentiator

{"Nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research hub with policy impact at Stanford","Direct pathways from research to policy through testimony, partnerships, events, and public discourse","Institutional structures like the International Policy Lab and the Ford Dorsey Master’s in International Policy","Broad topic coverage (governance, security, global health, energy, international development) and global regional reach"}

Implementation Timeline

Not explicitly stated; value is delivered through ongoing policy engagement, training programs, and publishing programs with both short-term and long-term impact

Pain Points

1Need for evidence-based policy guidance in international affairs that translates academic research into actionable insights
2Gap between academic research and real-world policy decision-making and implementation
3Desire to train and inform current and future policymakers through practical education and engagement

Key Features

1Nonpartisan, cross-disciplinary research across governance, security, health, energy, and development
2Policy impact activities including Congressional testimony, policymaker engagement, and public events
3Educational programs and training for policymakers, including undergraduate programs and the Ford Dorsey Master’s in International Policy
4International Policy Lab that helps ensure research translates into real-world impact
5Extensive teaching portfolio (80+ classes per year) and publications (e.g., 175 publications in the last academic year)

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council
2U.S. Ambassador to Russia
3Deputy Secretary of Defense
4Congressman (e.g., Ro Khanna)
5EU High Representative Josep Borrell
6Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at a government agency (e.g., CISA)

Client Results

1Policy advice provided through Congressional testimony and direct policymaker engagement
2Training and preparation of policymakers through undergraduate programs and a two-year Master’s program
3Public events and policy discussions that inform the public and policy community
4Research-to-policy impact via partnerships with governments and public sector organizations
5Alumni outcomes and leadership roles influenced by FSI programs (e.g., graduates taking on significant policy positions)

Competitive Advantages

1Direct link between Stanford research and policy impact through testimony, partnerships, and events
2Strong emphasis on training current and future policymakers
3Extensive network including centers like CISAC and a range of policy-focused programs
4Global research footprint and real-world policy relevance

Key Benefits

1Actionable policy guidance and testimony to influence decision-making

2Educational pathways for policymakers (undergraduate and master’s programs)

3Access to a broad network of scholars, centers, and policy-focused initiatives

4Public-facing events and communications that shape policy discourse

5Career development and leadership opportunities for students and alumni

Case Studies & Success Stories

Lisa Einstein to Lead Artificial Intelligence Efforts at CISA

Case #1

FSI Master’s in International Policy alumna Lisa Einstein named as the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Stanford Summer Fellowship Crafts Next Generation of Global Leaders

Case #2

Summer Fellows Program reconvened in person, connecting upcoming leaders with prominent democracy scholars.

Alumnus in Congress: Geo Saba

Case #3

Geo Saba, legislative director for Congressman Ro Khanna, credits CISAC Honors education with enabling policy impact in his career.

Improving Living Conditions in Niger

Case #4

Master’s students proposed policy to increase government accountability in Suleja, Niger, illustrating applied policy impact.

Energy and Public Policy in the Yucatan

Case #5

Policy Change Studio collaboration with NREL to connect Yucatan Peninsula businesses with clean energy solutions.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

Stanford’s hub for nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research, teaching, and policy impact in international affairs.

Target Market

{"Policy makers and lawmakers seeking research-informed guidance","Government agencies and international organizations needing evidence-based policy insights","Academic institutions and students pursuing international policy education","Public and private sector partners seeking policy-relevant research and training"}

Unique Value Proposition

FSI combines Stanford’s scholarly resources with active policy engagement, delivering actionable policy insights, training, and education that translate research into real-world impact through testimony, partnerships, and programs like the International Policy Lab and Ford Dorsey Master’s in International Policy.

Technical Requirements

Not specified in the content

Pricing Model

Not specified in the content

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