The Next Decade for Japan’s Impact Economy Kudo and Aoyagi believe that “impact” will no longer serve as the banner of social change. System-level change will require more than breakthrough innovations led by a handful of visionary leaders. Instead, it will depend on the awakening of local leaders, the evolution of everyday culture and behavior, and the transformation of ordinary citizens’ actions. Aoyagi believes this approach emphasizes SIIF’s commitment to justice. 26 Scenarios are now being shaped in which progressive innovators and traditionally conservative groups—who are often inherently resistant to change—move together toward systemic social transformations. Aoyagi points to how in rural villages traditionally focused on fishery industries, new ways are being explored to address the declining, predominantly male workforce through innovative approaches to closing the gender gap. Moreover, by using technology and data, new methods are being experimented with to not only grow the industry and improve the well-being of workers but to also preserve the surrounding biodiversity, ultimately benefiting the environment. Gender-responsive environmental interventions are shown to be more effective and sustainable. Policies that integrate gender equality and environmental goals can lead to improved outcomes in biodiversity conservation and climate action. SIIF is now beyond the phase of expanding the community of “like-minded” actors in the fields of impact and sustainability. What’s required next is a strategy for cooperation and coexistence with those who may be indifferent—or even resistant—to change. Working groups are being created to initially share what has been learned through the past ten years and eventually bring the community together on the journey of systems change. In doing this, SIIF will focus on: n Creating examples and achievements of fundamental solutions to social issues through collaboration with companies focused on public welfare. n Developing practical knowledge for fundamental solutions to social issues and their dissemination. n Creating spaces where diverse practitioners, such as companies focused on public welfare and impact investors, who aspire to a new economy, can gather, share knowledge, communicate, and co-create.
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Ten Years in the Making
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