President Message

Hitachi Research Institute (HRI) was established in 1973 at the initiative of Kenichiro Komai, then chairman of Hitachi, Ltd. It was a time of significant changes in the world order: the collapse of the Bretton Woods system due to the Nixon shock, the accession of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, and the warning from the Club of Rome about the "Limits to Growth."

Today, we once again find ourselves in a period of global transition. Climate change and biodiversity conservation have become critical global issues, the dysfunction of international institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization is being questioned, and the geopolitical situation remains highly unstable. In addition, cutting-edge technologies such as advanced semiconductors, generative AI, quantum computers, and nuclear fusion are causing significant disruptions to society, the economy, and politics. The complex interplay of these factors makes it extremely difficult to foresee the future of the Earth and humanity.

In this complex global environment, the role of multinational frameworks, national governments, and private companies with unique values is becoming increasingly important for maintaining and developing a healthy society. HRI will strategically leverage the extensive technological capabilities and global intelligence of the Hitachi Group to contribute through high-quality research to addressing social, industrial, and regional challenges.