Institute of Economic and Social Systems "IESS"

The Institute of Economic and Social Systems “IESS" is established

  The Institute of Economic and Social Systems "IESS" (General Incorporated Association) was established on April 1 2020 (Reiwa2) by leaders from the business, academia and other sectors, with the aim of exploring "a socio-economic system that we shall seek in the 21st century" and realizing "well-being of people".

＜Goals of IESS>

  Today, all of us on this planet are facing COVID-19, the worst crisis since World War II. The real value of the government's response and of our humanity are questioned.
  Besides the problem of this pandemic, the world has been facing radical structural changes, which could be understood as a "paradigm shift": the worsening of global environmental issues including climate change, stronger opposition against the market economy and globalization due to widening income inequality, and rapid demographical changes including population aging and depopulation. Furthermore, while speedy innovation centered around digital and bio-technology brings hope for the future, developed economies are said to have fallen into a state of "secular tagnation"., creating anxiety over future employment opportunities.
  There are also changes in people's perception of values. In addition to economic wealth, people are seeking more diversity in what we should consider as values, including healthy and safe living, enjoyment and fulfillment of the heart, sustainable natural and social environment, and inclusive and diverse social system.
  In this time of "paradigm shift", it is impossible to overcome crises by simply referring to the success stories and prescriptions of the past. It is essential for governments and other stakeholders to work on the reforming of the economic and social system (socio-economic system) itself. In particular, taking into account the recent progress of digitalization and improvement in access to informations, the private sector, such as companies, consumers, workers and citizens are expected to take a greater role in this reform.
  Based on these recognitions, the Institute of Economic and Social Systems will work towards realizing the "Agenda for the Nation". It will conduct objective research and awareness surveys inorder to understand the substance of issues, and publish recommendations to contribute to the realization of the agenda.

Note: Upon inauguration of the Institute of Economic and Social Systems (IESS) , the Nippon Research Institute (NIRI) was abolished and its functions were taken over by the IESS.

"Agenda for the Nation" Research Project

  The Institute of Economic and Social Systems will work on the "Agenda for the Nation" research project, focusing on the following themes:

  We have started the "KAITEKI Study Group" in 2019. "KAITEKI" in this context means "Making the natural and social environment sustainable and comfortable".

• Survey to understand the public's awareness on social issues, such as awareness for improving sustainability of the natural and social environmen.
• Investigate relationships between financial/non-financial information and corporate value of companies.
• Research on the role that companies should play in order to realize "KAITEKI" (initiatives for KAITEKI by companies, including innovation and development of evaluation criteria and improved communication with stakeholders such as consumers and workers), the role of the government (regulation, taxation, redistribution policy, etc.), etc.

  Research to identify new measurements that shall be directly linked to well-being of people. Identify new roles shared by the government and the private sector under the "paradigm shift", and make recommendations for policy implementation including planning, setting regulations, budgeting, taxing, organizational management, etc.

  Research to enhance supporting systems for the promotion of intangible assets investment, such as education, human resources and R&D, which are becoming more and more important under the "paradigm shift".

  Research on approaches to fostering and revitalizing communities affected by aging and depopluation, by acknowledging diverse pathways to development and activating regional economic circulation.

Reports

April 8,2020	The nation's awareness of life and work satisfaction, and consumer expectation

Officers

Chief Director

MATSUYAMA Kenji

Former Vice Minister, The Cabinet Office

Chairman

Dr. KOBAYASHI Yoshimitsu

Chairman of Keizai Doyukai (2015~2018)

Chairman, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings

Director of the Board, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation

Vice Chairman

TAKAHASHI Susumu

Chairman Emeritus, The Japan Research Institute, Limited

Adviser

MORINO Tetsuji

Special Ａdviser, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

YAMAZAKI Koichi

Representative Director, Senior Executive Corporate Officer, Kikkoman Corporation

Research Adviser

JINNO Naohiko

Emeritus Professor, The University of Tokyo

Former President, Japan College of Social Work

Dr. IWATA Kazumasa

Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan

President, Japan Center for Economic Research

Dr. MURAYAMA Hideki

Representative Director, Director of the Board, President The KAITEKI Institute, Inc.

Dr. OSHIO Takashi

Professor, Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University

Dr. KAWAGOE Masaaki

Professor, Nihon University College of Economics.

Director

IWAGUCHI Toshifumi

Chairman, RECOF DATA Corporation

SUZUKI Inahiro

Former  President & Representative Director, NIPPON RESEARCH CENTER,LTD

FUJIOKA Bunshichi

Senior Managing Director, Japan Vietnam Economic Forum (JVEF)

Auditor

HIRAMATSU Masami

Certified Public Accountant, Inoue Audit Corporation

Office

Burex Bldg. 9th Floor,
3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Phone: +81(3)5216-7311
Fax: +81(3)5216-7316