Lotte founder Shin Kyung-ho’s entrepreneurship studied at Toronto congress

At the World Congress of Business History in Toronto on May 30, a paper by Professor Baek In‑soo of Osaka University examined the entrepreneurial spirit of Lotte founder Shin Kyung‑ho. The study introduced the concept of “boundless advantage,” describing how Shin crossed market, industry and organisational borders to acquire knowledge and resources that fueled Lotte’s growth. Baek divided Shin’s life into four stages—youth, early‑mid‑career, late‑mid‑career and senior years—and analysed specific challenges he overcame in each period. The research linked these strategies to the long‑term success of the Lotte Group and offered modern managers lessons on learning beyond traditional boundaries and nurturing future talent. Scholars at the conference suggested that comparative studies with other transnational entrepreneurs could further illuminate the concept. Baek said, “Shin Kyung‑ho’s entrepreneurial spirit can still guide entrepreneurs in the AI era.”