Updates on 2021 Societal Issues Research
In reviewing and identifying societal issues, the ICF Secretariat runs several parallel programs over the year.
Fourth Seminar on Listings of Societal Issues: November 26th
The Seminar on Listings of Societal Issues started in June 2021 and offers commentary on the issues from each of the six ICF focus areas. It covers both the FY 2020 edition and new issues to appear in the FY 2021 edition. The fourth seminar will feature discussion on issues related to the Education and Human Resource Development focus areas.
■Details
・3:30 – 4:45 pm, Friday, November 26th, 2021 (online via Zoom)
・Exclusively for ICF members
・Capacity: 80
■Agenda
3:30 pm Opening
Issues in Education and Human Resources Development
・Lack of opportunities for recurrent education
・Overflow and imbalance of information
・New issues to be addressed in the FY 2021 edition
4:20 pm Q & A Session
4:45 pm Closing (followed by open networking session)
The fifth seminar is scheduled on December 22nd and will cover Mobility. The details to be announced shortly.
Walk Through Videos on Societal Issues
Water & Food and Energy & Environment
The Secretariat has produced a series of walk-through videos explaining the Listings of Societal Issues. Each video is 10 minutes long and offers commentary on the societal issues starting from the problems at their source, followed by the specific issues to be addressed, and wrapping up with technological and regulatory trends.
Members have access to four new videos released in November covering the Water & Food and Energy & Environment areas.
Note: ICF members have exclusive access to the videos
Recent Activities
Co-Creation Day: Autumn General Meeting held on October 26th
Following the ICF’s inaugural meeting in April, the Autumn General Meeting, under the Co-Creation Day title, was held in October. An audience of over 100 viewed the event online in real-time. The Meeting began with the Secretariat’s report on ICF’s activities and the achievements of the first six months since its launch in April 2021. It was followed by the Initiative’s future plans. In the next session, Dr. Tomy Kamada, CEO and Founder of TomyK Ltd., and also an ICF advisor, delivered a keynote speech titled “How to accelerate innovation in business the Start-up Way”. In the second half of the meeting, ICF members, including start-up companies and a local government, delivered presentations on their activities, which were followed by a panel discussion.
The presenters are actively engaged in the following areas to resolve societal issues:
•Carbon neutrality
•Empowerment of women
•Regional revitalization
Positive feedback was abound in the results from the post-meeting survey spanning opinion such as:
•The presentations sounded realistic by explaining in detail beyond general commentary
•The suggestions made at the event can only be derived from those who have undertaken initiatives themselves
Upcoming Activities (November – December)
BAP 2021 Final Pitch Contest (December 10th)
The final Pitch Contest of BAP 2021 will be held online on Friday, December 10th and will be shared with members. The seven finalists* from over 100 applicants have been under the mentorship of MRI researchers for the last two months on business strategies as well as the possible societal impact resulting from their business ideas.
BAP consists of four awards: the Grand Award, two MRI Awards (for Future Partners and Future Design), and the Audience Award. To determine the winner of each, the finalists will give ten-minute presentations and answer questions from the judges. However, the Audience Award will be determined by popular vote from those in attendance.
Agenda:
2:00 pm Doors open
2:05 – 4:00 pm Final Pitch Contest (by the seven finalists)
4:00 – 5:00 pm Discussion among judges, Audience’s vote and ICF activities introduction
5:00 – 5:30 pm Announcement of the results, recognition, and closing remarks
* Press release (in Japanese): https://www.mri.co.jp/news/press/20211001.html