The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the pace and need for digital transformation in the economy and society. Now is the opportunity for countries around the world to harness transformative technologies in the context of this new reality. Any economic recovery and growth, however, must ensure all citizens are included in the digital economy. They must also put the world on a path towards environmental sustainability.

The European approach to digital transformation, set out in the Digital Agenda for Europe in 2010, calls for empowering and including every citizen, strengthening the potential of every business, and meeting global challenges. Japan has followed a similar trend in Society 5.0, a national vision for a human-centric society where advanced technologies will solve societal/economic issues to achieve sustainable economic growth. To further accelerate its digital transformation agenda, Japan plans to launch a Digital Agency next year.

The digitalisation goals commonly considered and discussed are: to actively seek to reach all citizens, making sure the older generation is not left behind in the digital upgrade; to solve the issues of not only cities, but also local, suburban areas, taking into account that smart societies may diverge rather than converge in terms of geo-demographic transition, especially in the post-pandemic context; and to pursue further sustainability, including carbon neutrality, through the power of digitalisation.

Financial Times Live, in partnership with the Cabinet Office of Japan, is delighted to host an online discussion on how digitalisation can help to solve the most pressing issues around inclusive economic recovery, urbanisation, and the climate emergency, by creating a new digital agenda for 2021 and beyond.

Understand

The unique potential of digitalisation to create a more inclusive, environmentally conscious society

Connect

With leaders and thinkers involved in the digital ecosystem, and build relationships 

Discover

The strategies, as well as the challenges, in building an effective digital infrastructure 

Premier Digital Events supported by the world's best journalism

Using leading digital technology, we have now taken our content, global audience reach and engagement to a new level through a series of unmissable virtual events. Our compelling programmes, chaired by respected FT journalists, feature the most senior and thought-provoking decision-makers in business, finance and politics, all accessible from your office or home.

© Financial Times Live

FT Live and its journalism are subject to a self-regulation regime under the FT Editorial Code of Practice