Host: Transdisciplinary Federation of Science and Technology
Name : The 14th Conference on Transdisciplinary Science and Technology
Number : 14
Location : [in Japanese]
Date : December 16, 2023 - December 17, 2023
The text discusses the evolving landscape of local issue resolution, highlighting the shift from traditional administrative and governmental approaches to more citizen-driven methods. Traditional means primarily involved administrative organizations and elected local councillors. However, the growing complexity and diversification of citizen needs have out-paced the capabilities of these traditional structures. Civic tech is defined as the use of technology by citizens to actively shape their society. It's a response to the limitations of conventional approaches in addressing local and social issues. Notable examples include the ‘Code for America’ initiative in the U.S., Japan's technological response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's development of a COVID-19 dashboard. These initiatives represent a significant shift towards a more networked, grassroots form of democracy, expanding the scope and impact of public administration studies. The report emphasizes the growing significance of civic tech in Japan, underscoring its potential to reshape academic perspectives and address societal challenges more effectively. This paradigm shift towards civic tech showcases a more engaged and technologically empowered form of community involvement and problem-solving.
