Society 5.0, Japan’s vision for a future society, imagines a super-smart, human-centred digital ecosystem that harmonises technological progress with inclusive growth and responsible governance. Yet, as countries pursue their “smart” ambitions, familiar trade-offs must be carefully considered. For instance, innovation can widen divides if quality access and meaningful participation are not secured. Likewise, short-term growth can undermine long-term environmental resilience, while rapid deployment can outpace the ethical guardrails needed to sustain public trust.
Anchoring the discussion on the concept of a Confident Digital Society, the Tech for Good Institute moderated a session at the Asia-Europe Foundation’s Young Leaders Summit 2025 that explored how to balance innovation with the key issues of inclusion, sustainability, and ethics. Featuring experts from both Asia and Europe, the dialogue underscored that digital transformation is not only an economic project but also a societal one. Drawing on cross-regional insights, the panel surfaced practical pathways for young leaders to consider in designing the next phase of growth for the digital ecosystem.
Speakers
- Jonathan Wong, Chief of Innovation, Enterprise & Investment, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
- Lizan E. Perante-Calina, Dean, Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines
- Judit Erika Magyar, Country Representative, EURAXESS Japan; Regional Liaison Officer, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Global Policy & Promotion (MSCA-GLOPOL)
- Keith Detros, Programme Manager, Tech for Good Institute
Key Takeaways
1. Balance innovation with inclusion.
The session explored the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and Society 5.0, fostering discussions on how to balance economic growth with inclusive development. Panellists stressed that inclusion must lie at the core of innovation, ensuring technological progress contributes to equitable social outcomes. At the most fundamental level, achieving this balance requires reliable, affordable, and meaningful access to the internet, enabling individuals to participate confidently, productively, and safely in digital environments.
It was noted that digital divides remain a persistent challenge, influenced by disparities in infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy both across and within countries. Beyond simple access, the session underscored the importance of addressing deeper forms of exclusion that limit full participation in the digital economy. Marginalised communities, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and those in remote or underserved areas, must be deliberately included in the design and implementation of digital initiatives. Addressing these gaps calls for a people-centred approach to innovation which prioritises inclusion at every stage of digital development.
2. Align growth with sustainability and ethics.
Governments, businesses, and civil society can pursue “futures thinking” and mission-oriented approaches that integrate long-term social and environmental considerations into economic planning. While short-term economic gains may appear attractive, the long-term implications of technological development must be carefully assessed to ensure that development remains sustainable and equitable. This may include ensuring that sustainability plans are integrated with digital transformation plans.
Panellists discussed the need to broaden how “impact” is defined and measured in the context of digital transformation, moving beyond traditional economic indicators to include social, environmental, and ethical dimensions. It was noted, for example, that the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) advocates for integrating social impact assessments into project evaluation frameworks to ensure that innovation contributes to inclusive and sustainable outcomes. This approach reflects a growing consensus that GDP growth alone cannot capture the broader consequences of digitalisation on communities and the environment.
3. Empower young leaders to co-design Society 5.0.
The dialogue underscored that young people are not merely end-users of technology but active co-creators of future digital ecosystems. As digital transformation accelerates, the next generation has a crucial role in shaping how innovation can be inclusive, sustainable, and ethical. Panellists emphasised the importance of developing youth capacities in research, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that emerging technologies serve public interest rather than exacerbate existing inequalities.
In addition, the youth can balance the risks and opportunities of digital transformation across three dimensions: first, between innovation and inclusion, to prevent technology from deepening existing societal divides; second, between growth and sustainability, to ensure that short-term progress does not compromise long-term resilience; and third, between progress and ethics, to safeguard the wellbeing of future generations.
Finally, through research, advocacy, and innovation, young leaders can advance frameworks that align economic advancement with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Opportunities such as the EURAXESS Japan initiative were cited as valuable platforms for youth engagement in international research and policy exchange.
