Collaborative Forum #3: The Creative Dynamism of Innovation and Evolving Knowledge as We Look Towards 2050 and Social Change in 2050

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the third collaborative forum between the University of Osaka and the business community, “The Creative Dynamism of Innovation and Evolving Knowledge as We Look Towards 2050 and Social Change in 2050,” was held at Vision Center Tokyo Toranomon.

This forum has been held since 2023 with the aim of generating social change by members of the business community and the University of Osaka to share ideas about current social challenges and form a community to address these challenges through dialogue-based co-creation.

This third forum was held on the topic of “Nurturing Highly Skilled Human Resources to Tackle Social Challenges: Centering on ‘Co-cultivation’ with Society and Convergence Knowledge.” This topic was selected with the intention of addressing the “development of highly skilled human resources” who possess advanced expertise and the competence to communicate with those from different backgrounds and can also design future societies while devising strategies for their realization, thereby demonstrating leadership to unite people with diverse specializations to create the future society.

Executives from 21 corporations as well as executives and faculty in charge of education and student support at the University of Osaka, including President Atsushi Kumanogoh, attended the forum.

In the opening address, President Atsushi Kumanogoh spoke about the recent updates, philosophy, and initiatives at the University of Osaka, followed by Senior Executive Vice President Toshihiro Tanaka delivering a lecture on “Cultivating Highly Skilled Professionals at the University of Osaka.” A lively discussion based on the theme then took place, moderated by Executive Vice President Yoichi Miyamoto.

Discussions with participating companies focused on the importance of “collaboration not only between universities and high schools but also across elementary, junior high, high school, and university levels” and “fostering a sense of commitment through early engagement with society” for acquiring convergence knowledge.

We also received various opinions and requests regarding university initiatives needed not only to acquire convergence knowledge but also to produce proactive, innovative talent.

The University of Osaka will further promote its collaboration with economic circles, tackle social challenges, and contribute to “cultivating highly skilled individuals who create a sustainable future society.”