economy – Page 21 – Kiyoshi Kurokawa.com

Washington-3: From the World Bank

Posted on 2009/05/112014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

I did a lecture at the World Bank in January 2008 (Ref. 1, 2 ) and right after that we co-organized a Global Health Summit in Tokyo in February 2008. I believe that these activities were very helpful in building strong mutual trust and understanding. During my visit to Washington DC, from the morning of April 30, schedule was arranged for me to discuss about science and technology policy with special focus on African development for 4 hours.

In Japan, through 2008 TICAD4 (Ref. 1, 2 ) and meetings related to G8 Summit, policies are made to reinforce African development and eventually develop "Science and Technology diplomacy" (I have been advocating this for many years・・・) the movement which is prominent also in academies of Japan, U.S., and other countries where they are together working to build a system of mutual cooperation

What role is the Science and Technology policy of the World Bank capable to play to address the global issues of today’s drastically changing world is a great challenge. It was a good opportunity to advertise Japan’s policies since Japanese delegates had just returned from their tour on Science and Technology in Africa and their findings were reported at a conference in Tokyo recently. JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) also participated from Japan and contributed to making the discussion lively. It was well received.

Photo1: At the World Bank with Secretary Ueda of the Embassy of Japan.

Below are some of the scenes from the Science, Technology and Innovation Capacity Building Partnership Meeting at the World Bank .

Photo2: Breakfast

Photo3: Drs Nina Fedoroff （Ref. 1）and Peter McPherson

Photo4: Dr. Alfred Watkins (Ref. 1） of the World Bank and Dr. Andrew Reynolds of UNAID

Photo5: From left; Drs Victor Hwang （T2 Venture Capitaｌ）, Christian Delvoie, Phillip Griffiths

Expectations of the world is high for Japan and indeed Japan is capable in making large contributions in many different ways but it seems to me that current domestic climate is somewhat sadly introverted. For current crisis, it is crucial for the political leaders to catch this opportunity of "once in 100 years" disaster to show national vision that shows strong determination to change reluctant Japan to meet today’s global needs. If not, the cool-headed world would treat Japan accordingly; as a nation not-worth-taking-seriously, and no international negotiations or top diplomacy would make meaningful differences whatsoever (by Funabashi, Editor in Chief). How much are we, although still economically the 2nd largest, communicating to the world our will, determination, and policies and how seriously does the world take them? I regret to say that "Japan Missing" is the world’s feeling towards our nation.

Washington-2: Atlantic Council

Posted on 2009/05/052014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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There are many think-tanks in Washington. Among them CSIS, Brookings are well known in Japan also. Some Japanese go to these think-tanks to study, but I think their number is too small for a nation of the 2nd largest economy in the world. It is important to be in those think-tanks not only to gain knowledge but also to make connections in Washington, to understand how the politic works and how policies are made. We should be more seriously involved in this.

Atlantic Council is another example of those think-tanks. Its works are very closely related to politics. Mr. Kempe, after a long and prominent career at Wall Street Journal, has become President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic Council and its activities are expanding ever since.

National Security Advisor is known to be the most important post in the White House and General James Jones, the former Chairman of Atlantic Council, was appointed to take this position.

As you may see from the website of Atlantic Council, the organization was established in recognition of the importance of relations of Atlantic community of both sides. To meet the challenges of this global age, the Council is actively working and reporting on U.S.-China relations, new energy, etc. as well as on Asia. Here again, I must say that Japan’s presence is extremely weak.

I attended 2009 Leadership Award Dinner by invitation from Mr. Kempe. About 900 people were there. Please visit the website by all means. Since this year was the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, awards were given to the top of the United States and West Germany of the time; former President Bush (the father) and Prime Minister Kohl as well as IBM Chairman of the Board Mr. Palmisano, General Petraeus, and Thomas Hampson (a singer).

Former Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell, Secretary of Defence Robert Gates and many government high officials, legislators, Ambassadors from 46 countries, etc. were there at the party. It was truly a fantastic gathering. My seat was next to Ambassador Fujisaki.

Speeches by the recipients were nice too – they all looked very comfortable in giving speeches. General Petraeus’ "joke" was fun. I invite you to listen to them on the web.

I also saw several friends from China. They were all at one table inviting Chinese connections.

President Obama’s speech and science & technology policies

Posted on 2009/04/302014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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I am now in Washington DC. In the evening of 27th, the night before my departure, I saw and heard in Tokyo via internet the speech of President Obama on Science and Technology Policies given at the National Academy of Sciences annual meeting. President Obama is the fourth president to address the National Academy and it has been 20 years since the last. You are able to see, hear, and read the transcript of the speech at this website. It is a strong message with clear vision for the future that has great content and wonderful structure.

President Obama set a goal of investing 3% of the nation’s GDP to R/D of Science and Technology. Also, as the most important policy for the future, he showed a clear commitment to education in math and science through raise of budget with quite a concrete description on how this will be done. These policies are based on recommendations from independent "think tanks" such as National Academy so their objectivity is trustworthy and evidence is clear. Budgets were set to carry out these policies. Such process is important.

In today’s economic crises, a "clear message for the future," i.e., clear vision and commitment for the future, is very important.

For the large scale supplementary budget or new budget of Japan during this economic crisis, I would recommend 1) budget for the care of current bleeding 2) budget to create jobs for the next 2-3 years, and support social infrastructures such as social securities, health care, etc. (in short, provide a sense of being safe), and 3) more investments on new industries and their growth that can draw picture of the future society – i.e. basic research providing the "bud" for the possible new industries and education – (although I don’t think it pays to invest in current education system expecting it to provide good education for students of the global age. In the first place, Japan’s budget for teachers is too small when compared to other OECD nations・・・) and so on. Policies made by ministries and governmental offices are not enough to make changes. Take a look at recommendations that were given by experts to the Prime Minister at the Kantei (residence of the prime minister). See for yourself how much those recommendations (in Japanese only) have the viewpoint of "1, 2, and 3" as I have described above. Apparently everybody is trying hard. My recommendation is also uploaded in the section of "low carbon and environment."

The leadership and message of policy makers have power to encourage so many citizens, but・・・.

From La Jolla – Entrepreneurship meeting

Posted on 2009/03/272014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Kauffman Foundation is a group focusing on "Entrepreneurship" (so to say "Entrepreneurial mind" or "Spirit of enterprise" (as in the book "5 propsitions of Web age" by Mochio Umeda.) ? since it is not just about businesses・・・.) that held Global Entrepreneurship Week around the world and as I have reported to you in this blog, several programs were carried out in Japan also at National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies (GRIPS) where I work and at Kyoto with cooperation from Honda foundation.

Kauffman foundation and UCSD (University of California San Diego) jointly opened a 2 day conference hosted by U.S.A. inviting Great Britain, Japan, and Canada under the theme of "What Industry Wants from Universities." Several attendee from each country (naturally people from U.S.A. were dominant because they were from the host country.) gathered to have great discussions over various topics including policies. The program was nicely planned and contents were very good. It was truly a worthy meeting. Especially, I would like to point out that British people contributed much in keeping the discussion in good mood by their witty comments. Their sense of humor is outstanding.

I will write about the meeting once the report is posted on the web.

Photo1: With participants from Japan
(more photos are uploaded on Picasa)

Participants from Japan were Dr.Sunami from GRIPS, Dr.Harayama from Tohoku University, Dr.Kneller from RCAST, University of Tokyo, and Dr.William Saito. They are unusual members, I would say. All are working in Japan for these few years, but their main education or career path were at overseas.

Nice weather and campus, jolly fellows. I was very much in a refreshed mood. After the conference we had a tour at Calit2. We saw only a few people around though brobably because it was Saturday.

In San Diego, WBC which Japan also participated was about to start. Wasn’t it great that Japan won the championship?

Anyway, after all, California is a bright sunshine state. It’s so nice.

From Davos-4

Posted on 2009/02/062014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Photo1

The first event of 31st was a speech by British Prime Minister Mr. Gordon Brown. Next was Prime Minister Aso, whose speech also had impact (Ref. 1, 2). I was glad that he touched upon topics which would be highly evaluated by the audience, such as Japanese aid to Afghanistan of building and reconstruction of schools/clinics combined with financial and human resource support, recovery of Kabul International Airport, activities at Palestine, increase in the volume of aids to Africa, etc. These facts deserve to be actively publicized domestically and internationally, but that they are fresh news even to us in a place like this is something awkward. Overall, the speech delivered strong message

Prime Minister Aso then had several interviews and lunch. I was invited to the lunch also. Here again, he exchanged views with many leaders of the world through active questions and answers. To have lively conversation is very important.

Photo2~3: Prime Minister Aso at speech and lunch meeting.

Photo4: At the lunch, Chairman and CEO Hayashi of JETRO, Dr. Ogata and her husband, Director General Matsuura of UNESCO.

Surprisingly, "UNIQLO" sponsored the lunch that gained good evaluation. The room was decorated with cool displays and many beautiful screens (see photo at the top). I heard that the lunch boxes they served were also appreciated for its tastiness. In short, the presence of Japan this day around noon was outstanding. Good work, everyone!

It seems that Mr. Saito, Minister of Environment, accompanied the Prime Minister. He chatted with Professor Daniel Esty of Yale, who happens to be my friend also.

Photo5: With Minister Sato and Professor Esty.

On February 1st, the final day of Davos meeting, I participated in Global Agenda Council.　

The last session was with Archbishop Tutu of South Africa （known for oppositions to Apartheit and following commitment to human rights issues, etc. He was awarded Nobel peace prize for 1984）, having dialogues with young people. As cleric and activist of human rights, his communication skill is high and the session was extremely interesting.

Photo6: Archbishop Tutu in dialogue with the young people.

The details are available in the summary PDF of this year’s Davos meeting which symbolized the age of turning point of the world. Several photos are also posted on web.

Photo7: With Mr. Yunus

I happened to come across with Mr. Yunus at the lobby as I was checking out (Mr. Yunus is Nobel peace award laureate. I have been introducing him in my speech, blog, etc. constantly as good example of social entrepreneur which is a strong trend in this global era.) . He is founder of Grameen Bank that contributed to the financial independence of women in Bangladesh through Microfinance. It was a good opportunity to inform him about our motivated young people in Japan. He will be visiting Japan in March again. We said good-bys hoping to see each other if our schedule meets. It would be great if the meeting actually take place.

After talking with Mr.Yunus, I left the hotel for Zurich Airport to take flight to New Delhi.

From Davos-2

Posted on 2009/02/032014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Photo1

Weather is beautiful again today.

Meeting as a whole is on the web site – from varieties of sessions to reports. Enjoy them with ‘clicks’ when you have time.

Participation of young Japanese people from industrial sector is increasing steadily and becoming notable. Their words and presence are positive and I am glad about that. Since people of the world thinks that industries of Japan are represented by "Keidanren," it would be even better if young people increased more to liven up the place and impress the presence of Japan.

This year’s meeting has very different atmosphere from previous meetings because of market meltdown and the prospect of economy’s continuing downfall. People argue a lot about why finance relations are not punished for creating problems, when other industries will, as a matter of course, be given penalties should they put defective products into market. "Greed," "Loss of Style" may be the keywords. I heard much talk of this sort going on at personal levels. In the Gaza issues panel (see Webcast), the prime minister of Turkey stood up before the panel was over and left for home protesting that he was treated unfairly compared to President Perez of Isreal in terms of the allocation of time for speech, and the (bad) timing of speech. I haven’t seen that scene in person, but naturally it was a hot topic and judging from media reports, people in Turkey are paying much attention as seen in the frantic welcome at the homecoming of the prime minister. After watching the Webcast, what is your impression and opinion?

Photos2~4: Breakfast meeting. You might know some of them.

On 30th from 7:30am, I was invited to a breakfast meeting of "friends who worry that Japan is vague to the eyes of people in the world because it sends too little information," as they called it (Photos2~4). It is so moving. I think many of Japanese participants were told something like this, at least in private situation.

I also had opportunities to have lively discussions with various people, such as Mr. Okabe, Editor in Chief of Nikkei, Mr. Hayashi, Chairman and CEO of JETRO. Unfortunately, it is difficult to see each other in Japan because everybody is busy.

Photo5: Mr. Okabe, Editor in Chief of Nikkei (right) and Mr. Hayashi, Chairman and CEO of JETRO

As for myself, I had panels on Day 2 and Day 3. I fully enjoyed them, making lots of new friends at the same time.

I think part of the panels may be viewed at the website of Davos Meeting (29th, 30th, and the final day).

From media, Mr. Funabashi, editor in chief of Asahi Shinbun newspaper, Mr. Okabe of Nikkei newspaper, Mr. Fujisawa of NHK television, etc. were present. Ms. Waki (residing in London) from Reuter is also working actively as reporter every year recently.

From Davos-1

Posted on 2009/02/022014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Photo1

I came to Davos meeting again this year. Surprisingly, I have been participating in this meeting for nine consecutive years. This year, I have been asked to join three panels – very busy.

Center of topics is of course the collapse of the financial market and serious depression of the economy. The first day’s highlight was the Opening Plenary by Putin of Russia. Seats were full by 30 minutes before it started. His message was aggressive from the beginning to the end. Putin must have given people impression that working with him would be tough. His strong attitude continued through even to the questions and answers session. Check it on the web site.

Prior to Putin’s Plenary was a lecture by Premier Wen Jiabao of China. Lectures were great, but also they handled questions and answers with wits and tacts. It is an important factor in occasions like this.

Photo2: Mr. Putin

At the 2nd day breakfast meeting I was invited to, former President Clinton showed up and gave a speech for about 10 minutes. I happened to be seated at a table beside him, so he shook my hands – to my delight.

Photo3: Mr. Clinton

Plenary of the morning ended with Tony Blair, Ms. Nooyi of Pepsi (who graduated from IIT, a prestigious University in India. ref 1, 2 ), President Simon Perez of Israel, etc. Very impressive.

Photo4: Mr. Blair (to his left is Ms. Nooyi)

Photo5: President Perez

I spent four hours of that afternoon with the board members of chemical industries, attending as Advisors with people like Dr. David King, Science Advisor to Prime Minister of England until 2007. Other attendants from Japan were Mr. Yonekura, President of Sumitomo Chemical, and Mr. Kobayashi, President of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

Photo6: From right, President Anzai of Keio U., Professor Ito of U. of Tokyo, Professor Mori of Harvard, Dr. Mahbubani, Dean of National University of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and his wife, President Dr. Simmons of Brown U., and myself.

The evening event was "Japan Night" hosted by U. of Tokyo and Keio U., same as last year. I had an opportunity to see two female presidents, as President Allison Richard of Cambridge U. and President Ruth Simmons of Brown U.. I am wondering whether it is time for me to be excused from Davos. I would like to see more new people, young leaders participating from Japan also.

Global health

Posted on 2009/01/252014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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One of the pillar activities of our NPO “Health Policy Institute” is “Global Health” and the word repeatedly appears in various ways in this site. Activities on Global Health are promoted with the collaboration of many people in the global world, such as the World Bank, Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, government and also governmental organizations.

These activities are so called “civil society” activities, and I think we were able to contribute to last year’s Global Health Summit, TICAD4, G8 Summit etc. through the promotion of this movement. Please “search” in this site as well.

In the world, there are many people who are in unbelievable misery. I was able to take part in one of the projects about this. As I have reported, it is a film documentary series called “SURVIVAL” produced by Rockhopper with the cooperation of Imperial College, BBC and the Gates Foundation. The series is now completed and you can see them on the web in English, Japanese, German and French. I am also sending a message which is written in Japanese, but I am actually speaking in English. This is a bit strange.

The National Vision of Japan-at the new year meeting of Japan Science and Technology Agency

Posted on 2009/01/202014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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Soon after returning back from Washington, on January 14th , I was at the new year meeting of JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) where a large number of people from government, academia, and industry sectors related to science and technology gathered. The venue was full to its capacity, as is always the case.

I was appointed to give the keynote lecture for this year, so I talked about my impression of the new administration of the United States as well as about my two lectures in December where I drew a picture of the national vision of Japan as I see it ( please refer to my posting of January 1st etc.).

Photo1: Myself lecturing

Content of my lecture is also summarized and posted on internet sites (in Japanese) by former journalists Mr. Koiwai and Mr. Deguchi, who were also present at the meeting. Thanks to both of them for expanding my opinion. I truly appreciate it.

From Washington－Part2: A new cooperation between scientists

Posted on 2009/01/162014/10/01 by kiyoshi kurokawa

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I spent almost all three days in Washington inside the US National Academies. I even asked some people to come see me here for meetings.

On January 8, I checked into my hotel room and first got some rest. Then in the afternoon I attended a press briefing on a new report from the National Research Council. Stanford University president John Hennessy and former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft (Ref.1 ) are co-chairs of the study committee that produced the report. Besides them, three others also appeared before reporters. All are impressive people. Study committees include not only Academy members but also experts necessary to deliberate specific topics.

I knew that Dr. John Gage and Dr. Norman Neureiter were also at the press conference as committee members. But since I slipped out in the middle I was unable to see them. But I was able to meet with Dr. John Gage the following day.

I saw him in the morning at a public lecture by Harvard professor Calestous Juma at the NAS.

Photo1-3: Prof. Juma during lecture; a girl with laptop from Negroponte’s One Laptop per Child, Dr. John Gage, Prof. Juma and myself

For the first two days, I locked myself up in the National Academies and met many people one after another.

I held meetings separately with the heads of the three organizations of the National Academies; Dr. Harvey Fineberg from the Institute of Medicine, Dr. Charles Vest from the National Academy of Engineering, and Dr. Ralph Cicerone from the Academy of Sciences. We discussed plans for cooperation between scientists of Japan and the US under the new administration. Most of the time I went around with Dr. John Boright, executive director of international affairs.

I also held various discussions with major figures from the World Bank and the Atlantic Council of the United States including Mr. Fred Kempe.

Photo4: With Dr. Vest

Photo5: STS Forum conference, (from left) myself, Dr. Rita Colwell, Dr. Yuan Tseh Lee (Ref.1)

On January 10th, I spent the day in heated discussions at a committee for the STS Forum that will be organized by Koji Omi, a member of Japan’s parliament. I look forward to seeing a lot of friends and acquaintances there too.

I think I had three very, very fruitful days to start the New Year.

A lot of the people that I mentioned in this column are those I have already introduced on this blog in the past. Please try to search for the articles.