Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Kobe University Joint Symposium held

The Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Kobe University Joint Symposium (sponsored by Nikkei Inc. and the Japan Center for Economic Research) was held in Kita-ku, Osaka as part of the annual "Kansai Economist Meetings" on Friday, October 14.

Under the theme of “Kansai-led Data-Driven Society – Coping with Challenges Through Industry-University Collaboration,” presidents from the 3 universities and representatives from industrial circles had an active discussion on the role of industry and academia of the Kansai area.

First, ARAI Hiroshi (Managing Executive Officer, Nikkei Inc. Osaka) spoke about the significance of this symposium and expressed his hope that the industrial circles in the Kansai area will make great strides through utilizing data.

Next, TOGAWA Masanori (Representative Director, President and CEO, Daikin Industries, Ltd.) gave a keynote speech on Daikin’s digital transformation strategies in its strategic management plan, saying “In implementing the strategies, we should use data after considering people’s sentiments so that our efforts would lead to people’s happiness.”

Then, university presidents NISHIO Shojiro (Osaka University), FUJISAWA Masato (Kobe University), and MINATO Nagahiro (Kyoto University) spoke about endeavors by their universities to achieve a data-driven society.

After that, IKOMA Kyoco (CEO, Proassist, Ltd.) spoke about a shift in R&D goal at the company, namely from Monozukuri (making things) to Kotozukuri (making things happen).

During the panel discussion on the importance of data and its use, President Nishio spoke about the importance of Japan leading the establishment of international guidelines for the ethical, legal, and social (ELSI) issues of privacy and data use in using data for business.

He also mentioned digital education in Japan, saying “Many schools train personnel involved in doing something by information technology (IT), but few schools develop people with core knowledge and skills about IT itself. Thus, it is necessary to train personnel with such knowledge and skills in order not to be left behind the global trends.”

Just like last year, this year’s symposium was broadcast online to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with some 350 participants from universities and corporations.