Seikei University
Institute for a
Super-Smart Society

The Seikei University Institute for a Super-Smart Society was established in 2020 with generous support from the Mitsubishi 150th Anniversary Commemorative Project Committee. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, full-scale activities began in 2021. In September of that year, we successfully held the Inaugural Forum of our institute, marking the official start of our initiatives. The institute's activities are centered around three main parts:

• (1) Promoting interdisciplinary research projects,
• (2) Advancing collaborative projects to address societal and regional issues, and
• (3) Fostering the next generation of talent to lead the future society.

The term VUCA has been used to describe the volatile and uncertain nature of our times. Originally a military term that gained traction after the September 11 attacks in 2001, VUCA represents Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. More recently, in response to the rise of generative AI, another term BANI, which reflects internal psychological states, has also drawn attention. In the midst of such chaotic times, the concept of Society 5.0 was proposed by the Japanese government as a vision for the society we should aim for. Following the stages of hunting, agriculture, industry, and information, Society 5.0 envisions a human-centered society that integrates cyberspace and physical space in an advanced manner to achieve both economic growth and the resolution of social issues. Moreover, Japan's 6th Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Plan describes Society 5.0 as a society where each individual can realize diverse forms of well-being.

So, what plays a central role in Society 5.0? According to materials published by the Cabinet Office, Society 5.0 envisions a system in which sensors and IoT collect various types of information from the physical world, AI analyzes this big data, and the results are fed back into the real world as high-value-added solutions. To draw an analogy with the human body: sensors are the mouths, big data is the food, IoT is the nervous system, AI is the brain, and robots are the muscles. Among these, big data, our metaphorical food, is the critical element. Without it, neither individuals nor society can function properly.

As part of cultivating digital talent capable of handling such data, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is promoting the Mathematics, Data Science, and AI Education Program Certification System, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is working on initiatives such as the Regional DX Promotion Support Project. At Seikei University, we launched a Data Science Minor Program in 2021 to nurture talent who can thrive in a Society 5.0 context. The institute has also hosted intensive courses and lecture events to explore the challenges posed by Society 5.0 and promote data science education. Furthermore, in our own DX initiatives, we have worked on developing a digital twin of the campus, building a metaverse environment, and implementing AI chatbots.

The road to realizing Society 5.0 is filled with challenges such as declining birthrates and an aging population, social inequality, environmental conservation, disaster prevention, infrastructure development, and education and child-rearing. To tackle and solve these issues, we must begin with building a Connected Society, as recommended by the 2022 JEITA Technical Strategy Committee. Collaboration and co-creation with universities, companies, local governments, and surrounding communities will become increasingly important.

Our institute is not limited to faculty members from science and engineering. It also includes professors specializing in law, economics, business, and literature, along with visiting fellows from diverse backgrounds. The 2021 revision of Japan’s Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Act emphasizes the importance of integrated knowledge, a fusion of the humanities social sciences, and natural sciences. In alignment with this vision, our institute strives to harness a wide range of expertise and experience to address the societal challenges we face, both in research and education. We remain committed to working sincerely to solve real-world issues through education, research, and social implementation, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

We sincerely ask for your continued support and guidance in these endeavors.