Dear SSJ members,

The Fondation France-Japon de l'EHESS invites you to an insightful roundtable discussion titled "Building a New Economy - Japan's Digital and Green Transformation," on 12 June 2024.

Date: 12 June 2024

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 (Paris time)

Location: Onsite at Maison Suger, 16-18 rue Suger, 75006 PARIS; or online (choose upon registration)
Language: English

Japan is on a mission to construct a new economy, described as 'Society 5.0,' 'sustainable capitalism,' and 'a new form of capitalism.' This transformation hinges on digital and green innovations, aiming to create a 'virtuous cycle of growth and distribution.' Despite formidable challenges like demographic decline, external energy dependence, geopolitical instability, and the lingering effects of Japan's 'lost decades,' a promising path has emerged since 2015. This path navigates between the extremes of Big Tech monopolies and an overreaching state.

Hugh Whittaker's book, Building a New Economy, employs an evolutionary framework to examine the interplay between states, markets, organizations, technology, and institutional change. It discusses the breakdown of Japan's postwar manufacturing model, the resulting 'lost decades,' and the emerging institutional building blocks that could lead to a more open and adaptive economic model. For a nation prioritizing social stability over creative destruction, this journey involves 'controlled dis-equilibrium' of institutions, with a people-centred approach being the ultimate goal.

We look forward to your participation in this event.

Best regards,