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 the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Ukraine, India, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, and Okinawa work together on a daily basis. Others join from various countries on a rotating basis for 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 the first half of 2026, we hosted public symposia featuring senior ministerial-level leaders from countries and international organizations, including the Federal Minister of Transport of Germany, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, the Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland, and an Assistant Secretary General of NATO. We have also organized book talks with scholars from leading universities around the world, as well as dialogue sessions featuring senior officials from international organizations, including a UN Under-Secretary-General, and executives from relevant ministries and agencies in Japan. These events are open to the public, creating inclusive spaces for dialogue that anyone can join.

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, and 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, over the past year we have conducted an AI policy simulation for young professionals with the RAND Corporation, a student workshop co-hosted with NATO at the Osaka Expo, multiple seminars and workshops with undergraduate and graduate students visiting Japan from overseas, as well as events for high school students.
　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.

Member

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• • Project Lecturer
    Akira IGATA
  Research Area : International Politics / Economic Security

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• • Project Academic Specialist
    Maya SOBCHUK
  Research Area : Disinformation / Information Operation

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