Topics The 22nd Pharmaceutical Association of Japan Forum
The "Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (JPMAJ) Forum" is held annually to deepen understanding of the pharmaceutical industry by bringing together representatives of various industries closely related to the pharmaceutical industry and representatives of member companies for a frank exchange of opinions. The 22nd Pharmaceutical Cooperative Forum was held on November 30, 2023 at the Keidanren Kaikan Conference Hall (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). This year, we asked Professor Noriyuki Yanagawa of the Graduate School of Economics and Faculty of Economics at the University of Tokyo to deliver a lecture.
The venue
Part I: Lecture
The following is a summary of the lecture "Technological Innovation and Future Economic Structure" given by Professor Noriyuki Yanagawa, Graduate School of Economics and Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo.
The world economy is facing major structural changes, and the international political situation is becoming unstable, resulting in a transformation of globalization. In addition, there is growing worldwide interest in sustainability and social issues, including environmental issues. These factors are significantly shaking the political, social, and economic climate of the world as a whole. In addition to this, the impact of technological innovation, such as the development of digital technology and AI, is having a significant impact, and is changing economic and social structures.
In Japan, there is much interest in the development of generative AI and digital transformation (DX), but DX is not just the introduction of IT. As a result of the current technological innovation, major organizational and value transformation is inevitable. The structural changes brought about by digitalization range from changes in the decision-making structure of society as a whole and the division of roles among national and local governments, to changes in the organizational structure of companies.
Graduate School of Economics and Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo
Professor Noriyuki Yanagawa
In the direction of change, the industrial structure is collapsing, barriers between industries are becoming lower, new inter-industry cooperation is emerging, and even new industries are being created. It will be important to understand how to perceive and think about the emergence of services and businesses that transcend industry boundaries.
In addition, these structural changes will ultimately change society as a whole, shaking the framework of Japanese companies to its very core, requiring a shift in thinking not only from one company, but from the economy as a whole. The current policy discussions on work style reform, human capital investment, or financial market reform are not unrelated to these changes.
A characteristic of today's technological innovation is the rapid pace of change and the fact that it is difficult for regulators to understand the substance of technological change. This makes it extremely difficult for regulators to set appropriate regulations and rules, and also creates the problem of laws and systems not being able to keep up with the speed of change. The major challenge is how to adjust the system to the changes in a fast and appropriate manner. In addition, reskilling and inter-company movement of human resources to ensure that they can appropriately demonstrate their abilities in response to environmental changes will become even more important. Furthermore, how to work together with the public and private sectors on international collaboration in line with the transformation of globalization will also be a key point.
We need to view people as capital and make solid human capital investments for the long term. Human capital belongs to individuals, and it is important to think of human capital not in terms of company-centeredness but in terms of individual-centeredness, and to motivate employees by presenting them with future visions and career plans.
Part II: Roundtable Discussion
Following the opening remarks by Mr. Hiroaki Ueno, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ), the round-table discussion was opened by Mr. Masakazu Hamaji, Vice Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, representing the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Mr. Iwao Kurose, Executive Director, representing the Japan Medical Association, Mr. Nobuo Yamamoto, President, representing the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, and Mr. Kunio Tsuji, Executive Director, representing patient groups, the Japan Council of Intractable Diseases and Disease Groups, Inc. Mr. Kunio Tsuji, Executive Director of the Japan Council of Patients' Organizations for Intractable Diseases and Illnesses, delivered remarks on behalf of patient groups.
The banquet was opened with a toast by Mr. Yasushi Okada, Chairman of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations of Japan, followed by words of expectation and encouragement from many members of the Diet. The packed hall was filled to overflowing with the enthusiasm of the many participants, and the circle of discussion filled the room. After the closing speech by Ms. Mikino Furuta, Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PAPJ), the conversation continued and the "22nd PAPJ Forum" was successfully concluded with a great success.
Mr. Yasushi Okada, Chairman, Japan Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations
Hiroaki Ueno Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan
(Secretary General: Tokio Inoguchi )