The Cyber Civilization Research Center Kickoff & Reception was successfully hosted at the G-lab in Mita Campus, on July 18, 2018. We were very pleased to host more than 50 guests, coming from various disciplines such as IT engineering, mobile companies, and research institutes. This event marked the beginning of a collaborative and thought provoking relationship to foster a global community of individuals vested in the creation of a strong and connected cyber civilization.
President Akira Haseyama
Professor Haseyama’s, President of Keio University, gave an opening speech to welcome Professor David Farber, a distinguished leader in the field, and Professor Jun Murai as the Co-Directors of the Cyber Civilization Research Center. President Haseyama reiterated that the Center is Keio University Global Research Institute (KGRI)’s flagship initiative, aimed at understanding and navigating the unique development of information technologies to benefit humankind. This also upholds Keio University’s core value by welcoming world-renowned expertise to make a positive impact on the world.
Professor Jiro Kokuryo
Professor David J. Farber
Professor Jiro Kokuryo, Vice-President for International Collaboration, introduced the formation and governance structure of the Center. This was followed by Professor David Farber’s keynote speech on “What is Cyber Civilization? What are the obstacles & challenges of getting there?”, where he recognized the current civilization is changing and transitioning into a new mode of civilization – cyber civilization. There is a new set of core technologies, core wealth, and governance mechanism to be developed, which require all the stakeholders to consider and be ready for both emerging opportunities and threats.
Professor Jun Murai
Assistant Professor Danit Gal
Professor Jun Murai and Assistant Professor Danit Gal responded with examples demonstrating the positive and adverse effects of rapid digitalization on existing governance, economic, societal, and technological structures and planning.
The keen participation of attendees in the open floor session also stimulated discussions on the roles of different stakeholders, especially regarding the need to enhance awareness and accountability in the age of cyber civilizations.
Speakers concluded the conference with optimistic attitudes towards this new era of human development and expressed their wish and intent to engage all stakeholders, and create a space where they will be able to contribute their expertise and help shape the future together.
A post-conference reception was held at the Faculty Club together with a toasting ceremony led by Professor Keigo Komamura, Vice-President for Legal Affairs and Director of KGRI.
Professor Keigo Komamura led the toasting ceremony at Faculty Club
Turning thoughts into action, the Cyber Civilization Research Center focuses on the following research themes:
- The Implications of Connectivity on Civilization, Society, and the Self
- Virtual and Physical Infrastructure Security in a Connected Age
- Cyber Civilization Risk and Resilience
A call for paper contributions based on the above themes will be announced soon.
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Click here to download the presentations