Comparative Studies on Digitalization in Asia: Level of Usages, Policy Framework, and Identification

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K12367
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 80010:Area studies-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Ito Asei 東京大学, 社会科学研究所, 准教授 (60636885)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 金 成垣 東京大学, 大学院人文社会系研究科(文学部), 准教授 (20451875) ; 大泉 啓一郎 亜細亜大学, 付置研究所, 教授 (70843689)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: アジア / デジタル化 / デジタル貿易 / 社会保障 / 中小企業

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examines the economic and social impacts of the widespread adoption of digital terminals, which began in earnest in the 2010s, with a focus on Asian countries. In the first year of our research plan, we observed how these countries utilized digital technology to combat infectious diseases amid the unprecedented challenges of a pandemic outbreak. In the second year, considering the Covid-19 crisis, we conducted a further survey on digitalization in Asian countries, examining development strategies, labor market impacts, and the spread of administrative services. In the third year, we facilitated discussions on issues including digital trade and social security. In the final year, our research focused on the internationalization of Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a result of digitalization in Asian countries, highlighting implications for the Japanese economy.

Free Research Field

中国経済

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

デジタル化が社会に与える影響は、国際的に高い関心を集めているが、本研究はアジア諸国への影響に焦点を当てて研究を実施した。アジア諸国の経済発展は工業化を軸に議論されてきたが、政府機能のデジタル化、デジタル貿易、社会保障制度への影響等、新たに議論すべき論点は数多い。本研究はこれらの論点に取り組み、学会報告に加えて広く一般に向けて論考も発表した。