Policies to develop the application of new technology need to be pursued in tandem with political decentralisation if new social needs and higher living standards are to be realised, a leading Japanese policy expert has told The Irish Times.
Dr Sawako Takeuchi - who is Japan's candidate for the influential position of OECD Secretary-General - was in Dublin on Thursday seeking the support of the Irish Government for her candidature.
The Paris based think tank represents 24 of the world's leading economies, including Ireland. It conducts in-depth studies of a wide range of policy topics and issues policy advice to its member states. Dr Takeuchi said that the OECD should broaden its cultural and social outlook and address concerns of globalisation in its research agenda.
"I can see potential for new technologies to realise a low medical cost that enhance human care at local level. Central government is responsible for this, but needs hands to grasp local needs. Decentralisation is a very good tool to grasp in real time what people demand," said Dr Takeuchi.
Dr Takeuchi said new policy approaches were needed to help workers cope with the pressures and anxieties created by new technology and that more research was needed on possible benefits of raising labour quality.
"People have to catch up with the high speed of technological change and sometimes they cannot change as required. So they need more educational input." She stressed the need to balance social and economic development, pointing to Japan's social model. "Sometimes people work in Japan for social rather than purely economic incentives. It's a very cultural thing."
Dr Takeuchi praised the research team and peer review system of the OECD, but said that it should be a globally relevant organisation.
"One idea is for the OECD to study global risk management and where future risks are coming from, whether energy shortages, climate change or deforestation."
She hoped that under her leadership the OECD would become more internationally influential. "I want to bring a softer working approach to the working culture of the OECD. It has to go out into society and take more care about issues, risks and difficulties in society," she said.
A former economic advisor to the Japanese prime minister, Dr Takeuchi also holds a professorship of technology management at the University of Tokyo. Dr Takeuchi stressed her blend of academic background and corporate experience as key assets in leading the OECD.
She holds doctorates in both economics and engineering. In addition to her advisory and academic roles, she has worked as chief economist of the Long Term Credit Bank of Japan and served on the Japanese Government's Tax Commission and Foreign Exchange Committees.
