The 21st Century Public Policy Institute (21PPI) is a think tank established in 1997 by Keidanren* (Japan Business Federation). This April, on the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the 21PPI renewed its organization and functions. The institute got a new chairman, Mr. Fujio Mitarai, Chairman of Keidanren, and I assumed the presidency.
Our goal is to make Japan a “land of hope.” The 21PPI will contribute to reforms that can transform existing economic and social frameworks in Japan. To this end, the 21PPI will construct a new research system in which various domestic and foreign figures in areas related to public policies can freely air their opinions across the fences between their fields. They will be invited to our research program from domestic and foreign universities and research organs, the government, political parties, and the private sector. The private sector's ideas and human resources are to be fused with leadership in the political sphere to produce changes in Japanese society. As a hub for open and dynamic policymaking, the 21PPI will strive to transform the nature of Japan's policymaking system.
Since the inauguration of the new leadership team this April, debates and discussion have been vigorously implemented at the 21PPI on important topics such as improvement of public-sector productivity, introduction of new system of local government by states, tax system reform, and diplomatic strategies for a post-Kyoto Protocol framework. While working to strengthen our international research networks, we will take up key domestic and international issues and present our views and ideas. Such activities at the 21PPI will help build up Keidanren’s policymaking capabilities.
As an "open think tank," the 21st Century Public Policy Institute will energetically undertake activities to meet the needs of the times. I sincerely request and appreciate your understanding and support for the institute.
Kenji Miyahara
President
August 2007
About Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)
Keidanren is a comprehensive economic organization that represents 1,662 member companies and organizations(as of June, 2007). The mission of Keidanren is to accelerate growth of Japan's and world economy and to strengthen the corporations to create additional value to transform Japanese economy into one that is sustainable and driven by the private sector, by encouraging the idea of individuals and local communities.For this purpose, Keidanren establishes timely consensus of the business community and communicates with political leaders, administrators to resolute a variety of issues important to the Japanese society.
- 1. Productivity Improvements in the Public Sector
- (SEF: Shinichi UEYAMA, Professor, Keio University)
- 2. "Doshusei" (integration of prefectures into regional government bodies) and Administrative Reform
for the Establishment of Regional Economic Zones - (SEF: Yoshitsugu HAYASHI, Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University)
- 3. Comprehensive Tax Reform
- (SEF: Hideki TOMONAGA, President, Corporate Taxation Institute)
- 4. Drastic Tax Reform on the basis of Global Trends Analysis
- (SEF: Shigeki Morinobu, Professor, Chuo University)
- 5. Comparative Analysis of International Harmonization of Technology Standards
- (SEF : Yukio HIRAMATSU, Professor, Osaka Institute of Technology)
- 6. Legal Framework for the Convergence of Telecommunications and Broadcasting
- Joint research with Keio Research Institute at SFC(Jiro KOKURYO, Executive Director)
- 7. Labor Market Reform ~ New Work Styles for Japanese Workers
- (SEF : Noriaki KOJIMA, Professor, Oaska University)
- 8. Analysis of the Effects of IT for the Building of a "New Economy" Model
- (SEF : Taizo KUMASAKA, President, ITeconomy Advisors)
- 9. Japan's Strategy and International Cooperation Measures for a Post-Kyoto Framework
- (SEF : Akihiro SAWA, Professor, Tokyo University)
