Economic Security Intelligence (Igata Lab)
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.
Collaboration with domestic and international universities, think tanks, NGOs, and companies specializing in economic security
We also host speakers at the head-of-state level
The ESIL Young Leaders Program, which trains the next generation of economic security experts with globally applicable expertise
Students participated as speakers in the youth session of the international conference ‘NATO’s Contribution to Maintaining Peace and Stability’ hosted by NATO at the Osaka Expo on August 7, 2025.
After the NATO conference at the Osaka Expo, multiple sessions exclusively for young participants were organized. The photo features 70 students from 25 universities engaging in a full-scale policy simulation.
A student offering comments at the ‘Japan–Korea Economic Security Workshop’ (January 30, 2024), which hosted the Economic Security Cluster of the Institute for Future Strategy (IFS), Seoul National University.
A student speaking at the ‘Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Conference’ (May 20, 2024), which hosted young researchers from the United States, Canada, and France.
A student asking a question at the ‘Japan–NATO Young Leaders Workshop 2024’ (December 3, 2024), which hosted speakers from NATO Headquarters visiting from Belgium.
A student presenting at the ‘Japan–U.S. Young Leaders Conference’ (February 12, 2024), which hosted ‘next-generation leaders’ from the University of Hawai‘i.