News May 2004

[Research Trends]

[Completed Research Projects]

  • Basic Research on India's Economy as a New Frontier of the World Economy

    Since the economic liberalization of 1991, India continues to achieve economic development by placing special emphasis on IT and other soft industries. This research project was conducted in order to analyze the potential of India as an emerging influential economic power and the relationship between Japan and India fostered to date.

    Among the research results obtained in the project, the solution to the "limiting conditions" hindering the further development of India was emphasized as being a crucial factor for the sustainable development of India. (Specifically, efforts must be made to (1) enhance the fluidity of the rural citizenry, which constitutes approximately 70% of the total population, in the hope that more people will be engaged in non-agricultural industries, (2) improve India's poor infrastructure such as its energy and transportation facilities, and (3) shift the orientation of policies from benefiting specific caste groups to democracy with a special focus on poverty, welfare and other social problems). The project also recommends that Japan make efforts to enhance bilateral exchange with India involving private organizations and individuals, and with special emphasis on exchange of personnel rather than merely depending on the traditional forms of contribution initiated by the government such as ODA. It is hoped that Japan and India will be able to establish a close relationship by promoting mutual cooperation.

    [New Research Projects]

  • The Optimal Direction of a Japan-India Strategic Relationship - From the Perspective of Regional Cooperation in Asia -

    Based on the results of the abovementioned "Basic Research on India's Economy" conducted in fiscal 2003, the policy research project for fiscal 2004 will focus on the relationship between Japan and India, and regional cooperation, specifically the cooperative relationship with India and other Asian nations. An action plan for eliminating the "limiting conditions" (issues such as the rural villages, infrastructure and the caste system) will be presented by exploring the concrete contributions possible for Japan.

    Japan must establish and promote a smooth partnership with India and China, the two nations that will grow into large economic powers in the near future. Japan's partnership with India and China will be crucial for the future development of Asian society. Given that the 20th century-type society oriented towards mass consumption as exemplified by Europe and the U.S. is near its limit, it is time to create a new society oriented towards the environment and links between people. The Asian region, in which India and China are located, is expected to grow into a new force in the world economy in the 21st century and therefore, hints for establishing such a society are likely to be gleaned by studying the region. This research project will systematically analyze and examine the merits and problems of the society and culture of the Asian region. Based on a comparison with other regions, a proposal for establishing a development model for emerging nations will be presented.

  • The Optimal Economic Cooperation of East Asia in Pursuit of Joint Prosperity and the Possibilities for Establishing an Economic Union

    This research project will analyze the impact on the East Asian economy of recent events such as the accession to the WTO of Mainland China and Taiwan, ratification of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA), and ongoing efforts to establish FTAs among the ASEAN+3 nations and between Japan, China and South Korea. On the basis of this analysis, this project will examine the roles to be played and actions to be taken by the East Asian nations and other sub-regions in order to realize integration of and cooperation in the East Asian economy. In addition, the possibility for the East Asian region to evolve into an economic union will also be explored.

    Last year Japan commenced negotiations with South Korea and Thailand towards the conclusion of FTAs. In addition, in the Japan ASEAN Commemorative Summit held in December last year, the "Tokyo Declaration for the Dynamic and Enduring Japan-ASEAN Partnership in the New Millennium" was adopted. This declaration which includes the "East Asian Community Plan" confirmed that the economic integration of East Asia will be sought as a common goal.

    NIRA will hold an academic conference this year, participated in by researchers and specialists from the East Asian nations, as an occasion for developing wide-ranging and frank discussions on the economic cooperation of East Asia and the establishment of an economic union.

    [Spot News on Research]

    Subsidized Research in Specific Fields for Fiscal 2004

    NIRA annually provides specific research grants to domestic research institutes that belong to the Council of Local Think Tanks.

    NIRA's subsidized research in specific fields is designed to support local think tanks' voluntary activities to resolve local policy issues through research and study, and thereby contribute to the solution of various problems of today's economy, society, and people's lives. The intended projects focus on policy research and adopt the perspective of the region in which the relevant research institutes are located, and are conducted in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary manner.

    For fiscal year 2004, NIRA received 28 research grant applications. After examination by both internal and external judges, NIRA decided to provide grants to five institutes. The research themes and research institutes are listed below.

    [NIRA Topics]

    Introduction of a Research Advisor

    Mr. Michio Naruto

    Mr. Naruto worked in the IT sector for forty years at Fujitsu. He operated a think tank for four years as Chairman and Representative Director of the Fujitsu Research Institute, and for three years led an expert group specializing in technological development as Chairman of the Toyota InfoTechnology Center. Mr. Naruto has also devoted himself to the worldwide diffusion and harmonization of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in his capacity as chairman of international organizations, including the Global Business Dialogue on Electronic Commerce and the Global Information Infrastructure Commission Forum.

    Mr. Naruto began working for NIRA as a Research Advisor in fiscal 2004 and hopes that he will be able to assist NIRA with his expertise. He says, "As with the global environment, Japan and NIRA will continue to change significantly, therefore I would like to have lively discussions with everyone concerning the role, research themes, and social significance of a new group of specialists, and I hope that I will be able to contribute to the future of NIRA as a progressive leader."

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