Beyond Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus outbreak has shocked the world, severely impacting societies and economies in countries across the globe with the UK and Japan being no exceptions. As a result of this new pandemic, not only the global economy is being affected but the international order, political relations, globalisation, and future leadership models may also be reshaped in the post-coronavirus period. In this context, several important questions emerge, such as: Will totalitarianism and unilateralism strengthen over open democracies? What changes are required for more effective leadership models? Will the crisis prompt international solidarity and cooperation or intensify rivalries among countries?

At a more individual level, the social distancing policy adopted in many countries around the world is also impacting the way we interact with others and posing huge challenges for businesses and organizations. Social distancing, self-isolation, and lockdowns are measures taken to fight the outbreak, but they also bring multifaceted challenges such as social inequality, poverty, mental health issues, food crises, and restraint of freedoms. At the same time, technology is playing a key role to help us to overcome some of these challenges, providing new opportunities to enhance creativity and innovation. Regardless of one’s perspective, the new coronavirus seems to be changing our society and community rapidly, forcing us to ask what is truly essential in our life and how we can adapt to the ‘new normal’.

This year can be considered a major historical turning point. Our Annual Seminar Series will examine the world beyond coronavirus from various different perspectives, including the global order, globalisation, human mobility, new technological developments, and changing society and work styles. We will also invite a number of creative experts to discuss the future of museums, design, and architecture, and consider how these areas can find new sources of inspiration and imagination.