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Economic Security IntelligenceIgata Laboratory

Economic Security Intelligence
Igata Laboratory

A Strategic Hub for Resonant collaboration - The Intersection of Global Knowledge and Dialogue

Economic Security and Intelligence: Navigating a Shifting Global Order

The world today is undergoing a historic transformation, shaped by intensifying geopolitical tensions and fierce competition over advanced technologies. In this context, the concept of "economic security" - the safeguarding of a nation’s prosperity and stability - is rapidly gaining strategic importance. Key issues include the resilience of critical infrastructure and supply chains, and the strategic governance of cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive knowledge base that bridges research, policy, and international affairs.
Japan is now actively building an “economic intelligence” framework to monitor and analyze global trends in institutions and policy. At our lab, researchers from Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Netherlands, Okinawa (Japan), Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States work together on a daily basis. Others join for mid- to long-term research stays. This intersection of diverse perspectives fosters an intellectually vibrant environment of co-creation with global talent.

At the Forefront of International Collaboration and Public Dialogue

Strategic decision-making in an era of uncertainty demands robust dialogue across countries and disciplines. Our lab engages in wide-ranging partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, deepening intellectual collaboration with universities and think tanks worldwide through MOUs, talent exchanges, joint research, and co-hosted symposia.
In June 2025, we hosted a symposium featuring H.E. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, titled “Geopolitics and the Transformation of the Multilateral Order.” We have also organized high-level events such as the Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral cooperation on critical minerals with the RAND Corporation, an economic security forum with Taiwan’s DSET, and a growing network of exchanges with NATO and foreign embassies in Tokyo. These events are open to the public, creating inclusive spaces for dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and engaged citizens.

Implementing Public-Private Partnership

Effective economic security strategies must be co-developed with the private sector. Our lab partners with various companies, including those that: visualize geopolitical risk using big data; advance disinformation countermeasures; and develop products using biomanufacturing technology. These partnerships create dynamic spaces where intelligence, technology, analysis, and implementation intersect.
Recently, we hosted a seminar with the Head of Intelligence and Investigations at OpenAI to discuss public–private strategies for countering the misuse of generative AI. These engagements represent ongoing efforts to promote economic security collaboration with the private sector.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Global Talent

Strengthening Japan’s capacity to communicate internationally among the next generation of leaders is an urgent national priority. Our lab provides young scholars from Japan and abroad with opportunities to engage with real-world issues in economic security. In addition to dialogue sessions with visiting dignitaries, we have conducted English-language seminars and workshops with students from institutions such as Princeton University, France’s INaLCO, and Canada’s ENAP.
Through these programs, the Japanese youth gains first-hand exposure to strategic challenges and develop the capacity to think and act collaboratively across borders. Each day, new forms of resonant co-creation emerge between future leaders and the world around them.

Public Symposium

“Geopolitics and the Transformation of the Multilateral Order”
- Public Symposium with H.E. Dr. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland.

a public seminar

“Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateralism in Action:
Securing Critical Mineral Supply Chains for Economic Resilience,” a public seminar co-hosted with the RAND Corporation.

Public seminar titled “Japan-Taiwan Economic Security Dialogue

Public seminar titled “Japan-Taiwan Economic Security Dialogue” with the Taiwanese thinktank DSET,
which RCAST has concluded MOU with recently.

a public seminar

"Countering Malicious Uses of Generative AI: Disinformation and Influence Operations," a public seminar featuring Intelligence and Investigations Staff from OpenAI.

Column
Economic security is a newly emerging policy field in which countries around the world are still trying to find their footing. I follow the latest developments internationally to analyze their implications for Japan’s government and industries to come up with research papers and policy recommendations. During particularly intense weeks with multiple speaking engagements in different cities around the world, I sometimes return to Haneda Airport from overseas only to go directly from the second-floor arrival lobby to the third-floor departure lobby to board another flight.
As Japan’s efforts in economic security gain increasing global attention, foreign dignitaries and experts are visiting Tokyo more frequently, creating real opportunity costs for being out of town. To make the most of both worlds, there are days when I take the earliest morning flight to a conference, return home immediately after speaking, and attend evening meetings in Tokyo with overseas visitors. In times of geopolitical tension, I have even visited four embassies in a single day for back-to-back closed-door discussions.
At day’s end, quiet evenings with my two cats are often the calmest and most grounding moments of my day, helping me reset and prepare for another full day ahead.
At the Igata Lab, we are seeking students and early-career professionals who are interested in economic security. In addition to supporting event operations and research activities, participants can observe international conferences hosted by the lab, organize student-led workshops conducted in English, and engage in policy dialogues with senior officials from various governments. For instance, we were able to arrange a small-group student lunch with the President of Finland following the public symposium, where participants had the chance to chat with President Stubb directly. If you are interested, please visit our lab website for more information.