Message from the Secretariat
Chief of Staff,
ICF Secretariat
The Initiative for Co-creating the Future (ICF) was launched as the result of a merger between MRI’s two existing platforms: the Platinum Society Research Association and the Innovation Network for Co-creating the Future. The Secretariat extends its sincere gratitude to ICF members and stakeholders for their generous involvement to date.
The ICF has a wide range of members that follow. Municipalities address local issues in each community. Large corporations are equipped with infrastructure for the development and sales of products and services. Startups, universities, and research institutes have knowledge in advanced technologies. Finally, the central government is responsible for policy measures and regulations.
By leveraging this diversity, the ICF will create a vibrant network to resolve major societal issues through innovation and business, thus realizing the Platinum Society. The ICF will try to develop an ecosystem that can change society through collective impact built by co-creation.
The Secretariat will serve as a catalyst to help establish organic relationships among members. It will also enhance its role as a producer and accelerator to lead co-creation so that members can make the most of the ICF platform. The Secretariat will also serve as a bridge with the MRI Group as a whole, which is determined to take an active role and contribute to the implementation of impactful solutions alongside partners. The Secretariat eagerly awaits the continued involvement of stakeholders in upcoming activities.
ICF News
The Secretariat will publish a monthly newsletter, ICF News, to share with members the initiative’s past activities and future plans. The news will be sent to members via e-mail and later posted on the ICF website.
In addition to information on seminars and events organized by ICF, the news will deliver hot topics from member companies and organizations.
ICF Inaugural Meeting
The ICF Inaugural Meeting, held virtually on April 14th, was viewed by nearly 300 participants from member companies and organizations. The Secretariat expresses its gratitude to all those who took the time to watch in. Dr. Hiroshi Komiyama, Chairman of the Institute, MRI, gave the keynote speech entitled “Aiming for the Platinum Society.” Following that speech, the Secretariat explained the ICF’s strategies and plans for activities.
The Secretariat was pleased to receive encouraging feedback and high hopes from the audience. The Secretariat conducted a survey following the event in which respondents voiced excitement for taking part in resolving societal issues through the design and implementation of effective solutions in collaboration with a wide variety of partners.
Activities Scheduled for May and June
BAP 2021: Application opens in June
In mid-June, the Business Acceleration Program (BAP) 2021 will start by accepting applications for business ideas that resolve societal issues. In FY 2021, the program will focus on the new normal in light of COVID-19 and looks to gather ideas eyeing a post-pandemic society.
To better serve ICF member interests, the competition will be followed by initiatives toward business and capital alliances with startups in an effort to co-create new markets. Those large corporate or local government members that are interested in enhancing collaboration with startups, please contact the Secretariat.