Digitalisierung in Japan: „Wohlstand ohne Digitalisierung? Ein Reisebericht aus Tokio“ mit Blick auf die beleuchtete Skyline von Tokio und die Regenbogenbrücke.
Vor ein paar Wochen verkündete der japanische Digitalminister Taro Kono den Sieg über die Floppy-Disc. Die letzte behördliche Vorschrift, die verlangte, dass bestimmte Dokumente auf Disketten gespeichert werden müssen, wurde abgeschafft. Diese Nachricht verdeutlicht, dass die Digitalisierung in Japan ähnlich wie in Deutschland mit Herausforderungen verbunden ist.
Doch die Tatsache, dass es in Japan seit 2021 eine dedizierte Digital-Agentur gibt, zeigt auch, wie das Land versucht, sich zu modernisieren. Die Digitalisierung in Japan ist ein zentrales Thema in der Politik und Wirtschaft des Landes. In der neuesten Folge unseres Podcasts Die Digitalisierung und Wir sprechen Florian und ich über unsere Eindrücke aus Japan und ziehen Vergleiche zu den technologischen und sozialen Entwicklungen in Deutschland.
Ein technologieoffenes Land im Wandel
Japan ist allgemein bekannt als ein technologieoffenes Land – jeder, der in einem der vielen familienbetriebenen Restaurants schon einmal eine Schüssel Ramen-Nudeln bestellt hat, weiß das. In den meisten Lokalen bezahlt man nicht beim Kellner, sondern an einem Bezahlautomaten. Doch trotz dieser technikaffinen Kultur ist die Digitalisierung in Japan in einigen Bereichen ins Stocken geraten. Viele dieser Automaten sowie andere Maschinen, denen man im Alltag begegnet, haben schon einige Jahre auf dem Buckel.
Drei Jahrzehnte der Deflation und stagnierendes Wirtschaftswachstum haben dazu geführt, dass viele japanische Firmen es versäumt haben, in Forschung und technologische Entwicklung zu investieren. Florian argumentiert in der Podcast-Folge, dass sich dies nun langsam zu ändern scheint. Die Deflation ist weitgehend überwunden, das Wirtschaftswachstum zieht an, und immer mehr junge Menschen bevorzugen die florierende Startup-Welt gegenüber den traditionellen, lebenslangen Festanstellungen.
Menschen gehen durch eine belebte Straße in Tokio bei Nacht.
Wer durch die belebten Straßen läuft, wird von Tokios pulsierenden Neonlicht in den Bann gezogen und erlebt hautnah, wie sich Tradition und Moderne miteinander verbinden. Diese spannende Mischung ist ein Spiegelbild der Digitalisierung in Japan, die sich zwischen High-Tech-Visionen und traditionellen Strukturen bewegt.
Reisetipps Japan
In einer Reisefolge wie dieser dürfen natürlich auch die Reisetipps nicht fehlen. Florians absolutes Highlight seiner Tokio-Reise war das TeamLab Borderless Digital Arts Museum. Er beschreibt es als eine Art digitale Traumwelt, mit der man physisch interagieren kann. Wer in Tokio unterwegs ist, sollte sich diese und die Tokio Top 10 Sehenswürdigkeiten nicht entgehen lassen. Dieses Museum ist nicht nur ein Kunstwerk, sondern auch ein Symbol für die Digitalisierung in Japan und den kreativen Einsatz neuer Technologien.
Sushi-Koch in Tokio, der Kunden in einem lokalen Restaurant bedient.
Für alle, die es diesen Sommer nicht nach Japan, aber vielleicht nach Frankfurt am Main schaffen, legen wir unser Lieblingsrestaurant Mangetsu ans Herz. Es bietet das beste Sushi, das man im Rhein-Main-Gebiet bekommen kann! Für alle Sushi-Liebhaber könnte es auch spannend sein, einige Geheimnisse der besten Sushi-Köche Tokios zu entdecken.
Verbindung zur Arbeit und Digitalisierung
Natürlich bleibt auch das Thema Arbeit und Digitalisierung nicht unberührt. Japan experimentiert zunehmend mit neuen Arbeitsmodellen, wie zum Beispiel der 4-Tage-Woche bei Microsoft, die zu einem beeindruckenden Produktivitätsanstieg geführt hat. Mehr über dieses zukunftsweisende Arbeitsmodell und den Weg zu effizienteren Meetings erfahrt ihr hier.
Shibuya Crossing in Tokio, wo Chaos auf geordnete Menschenmassen trifft.
In Tokio trifft man ständig auf das Spannungsfeld zwischen Tradition und Innovation, was sich besonders gut an der Shibuya Crossing beobachten lässt – ein Sinnbild für das dynamische Leben in der Stadt. Diese urbanen Entwicklungen sind ebenfalls eng mit der Digitalisierung in Japan verknüpft, die zunehmend alle Lebensbereiche durchdringt.
Me presenting on stage at a Microsoft event with Satya Nadella’s quote, „We empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more,“ displayed in the background.
Today marks a significant milestone in my career – 5 impactful years at Microsoft. Reflecting on this strategic journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth opportunities, the relentless pace of innovation, and the truly unique sense of community.
As I look back, several core lessons and experiences stand out:
1. An Empowering Culture as a Foundation for Success
From my very first day at Microsoft, I experienced Microsoft’s remarkably empowering and collaborative culture. Feeling welcomed and valued isn’t just pleasant; it’s fundamental to enabling teams to tackle complex challenges and achieve remarkable things together. The camaraderie here is genuinely special and creates an environment where innovation thrives through mutual respect and shared purpose.
2. AI: The Strategic Engine of Transformation
At Microsoft, AI is far more than a buzzword – it’s the strategic engine driving transformative change at scale. I’ve been deeply involved in witnessing and contributing to how AI fundamentally reshapes industries and empowers new possibilities. The speed and scope of innovation, particularly in AI, remain truly mind-blowing and exhilarating.
3. Responsible AI: Building Trust and Sustainable Impact
Microsoft’s unwavering commitment to Responsible AI is a fundamental pillar I deeply admire. There’s a pervasive dedication to building technology with integrity and humility. This focus on ethical AI development isn’t an afterthought; it’s integral to every stage, ensuring we build lasting trust and strive for technology that serves humanity through sustainable and equitable outcomes.
4. Aligning Technology with Purpose: Lessons from TSI
My work, particularly within Tech for Social Impact (TSI), powerfully illustrates the principle of aligning technology with purpose. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to shaping a better future by empowering diverse organizations. Seeing ambitious tools like Copilot enable significant positive change reinforces the drive to leverage technology for meaningful impact across all sectors.
5. Continuous Learning as a Catalyst for Innovation
A culture of continuous learning and innovation is absolutely core to Microsoft’s dynamism. Opportunities abound, manifest in initiatives like the Microsoft Garage and countless volunteer projects that encourage pushing boundaries. This ingrained emphasis on staying curious and embracing growth is crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape and driving future innovation.
Looking Ahead
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the many mentors, managers, and colleagues whose support and collaboration have been instrumental on this journey. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve collectively achieved and genuinely excited to contribute to future innovations and impact. Here’s to continued growth, collaboration, and executing on a shared vision of creating technology that empowers everyone.
If you’d like to stay updated on my journey and insights on AI, digital transformation, and more, follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Technologiekompetenz: Der Superskill der Zukunft – Ein Gespräch mit Jennifer Mink von der Deutschen Bank
In einer Welt, die sich rasant digitalisiert, wird Technologiekompetenz zunehmend zum unverzichtbaren Superskill. In der neuesten Folge unseres Podcasts Die Digitalisierung und Wir tauchen wir, Florian Ramseger und ich, Alexander Loth, tief in dieses Thema ein. Wir haben das Glück, Jennifer Mink von der Deutschen Bank als Gast zu haben, die als Vice President für Client Engagement im Bereich Technologie, Daten und Innovation, uns wertvolle Einblicke gewährt.
Die Revolution der Arbeitswelt durch neue Technologien
Jennifer zeigt auf, wie Generative KI, Drohnen oder kooperative Roboter die Landschaft verschiedener Industrien neu gestalten. Diese Technologien verändern nicht nur die Art und Weise, wie wir arbeiten, sondern definieren auch neue Anforderungen an die Fähigkeiten der Arbeitnehmer.
Deutschland im digitalen Europavergleich
Wir werfen einen Blick darauf, wie Deutschland im Vergleich mit anderen europäischen Ländern in Sachen KI und Digitalisierung abschneidet. Die Erkenntnisse könnten überraschen und liefern Anlass zur Diskussion über notwendige Schritte zur Verbesserung.
Warum Technologiekompetenz so wichtig ist
Technologiekompetenz entwickelt sich zur Schlüsselkompetenz in fast jedem Berufsfeld. Gemeinsam mit Jennifer diskutieren wir, warum dies der Fall ist und wie Individuen und Unternehmen diesen Skill fördern können, um für die Zukunft gewappnet zu sein.
Lebenslanges Lernen als Norm
Die Notwendigkeit des lebenslangen Lernens, besonders in Bezug auf digitale Fähigkeiten, steht im Mittelpunkt unseres Gesprächs. Wir besprechen, wie Unternehmen ein Umfeld schaffen können, das kontinuierliche Bildung und Entwicklung fördert.
Technologiekompetenz im Bildungssystem
Unser Bildungssystem spielt eine zentrale Rolle bei der Vorbereitung auf die digitale Zukunft. Wir sprechen darüber, wo es Verbesserungsbedarf gibt, um Arbeitnehmer durch Erlernen von Technologiekompetenz besser auf die zukünftige Arbeitswelt vorzubereiten.
Die Bedeutung von Diversität am Arbeitsplatz
Diversität am Arbeitsplatz ist mehr als nur ein Schlagwort; es ist eine Notwendigkeit für innovative und resiliente Unternehmen. Wir diskutieren, welche Maßnahmen Arbeitgeber ergreifen können, um Diversität zu fördern und warum dies für den Erfolg so kritisch ist.
Technologiekompetenz, Superskill der Zukunft
Technologiekompetenz ist unbestreitbar der Superskill der Zukunft. Durch das Gespräch mit Jennifer Mink erhalten wir wertvolle Einblicke in die Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten, die die Digitalisierung mit sich bringt. Um mehr zu erfahren, laden wir euch herzlich ein, die aktuelle Episode anzuhören und unseren Podcast zu abonnieren. Gemeinsam können wir die digitale Transformation aktiv mitgestalten und nutzen.
Blockchain Future: Philipp Sandner, Head of Frankfurt School Blockchain Center at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Philipp Sandner is a prominent voice in blockchain innovation. As head of the FSBC, his expertise spans blockchain technology, crypto-assets, the programmable digital euro, tokenization, and digital identity. In this Decisively Digital Conversation, we discuss the evolution of blockchain from its Bitcoin origins to the transformative potential of smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), and beyond.
Alexander Loth: What is your mission as head of the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center?
Philipp Sandner: Our mission at FSBC is to drive blockchain adoption across industries, governments, and academia. The focus is on educating the next generation of innovators—our students—while supporting decision-makers in corporations and policymakers. Blockchain has proven its potential to reshape global systems, from supply chains to financial services, offering unprecedented transparency, efficiency, and security.
One of the most exciting developments is the European Union’s proactive approach to blockchain. Initiatives like the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) aim to build a robust foundation for trusted digital services. It’s inspiring to see young professionals and students eager to embrace this technology, laying the groundwork for its integration into industries and governments.
Alexander Loth: Since its inception in 2008 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin has ignited global interest in blockchain. What lessons can we draw from the operation of this revolutionary blockchain?
Philipp Sandner: Bitcoin’s most remarkable achievement is its resilience and trustless architecture. Over 15 years, it has grown from a 10-page whitepaper to a $1 trillion market capitalization at its peak, supported by thousands of independent nodes worldwide.
The beauty of Bitcoin lies in its simplicity—a decentralized ledger that ensures transparency, security, and immutability. The first-mover advantage remains a critical factor, much like Facebook’s dominance in social media. Even with competing cryptocurrencies and technologies, Bitcoin’s network effect has solidified its position as „digital gold.“
In 2024, we see increased integration of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial ecosystems. The growing acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs and institutional adoption further demonstrates its staying power. However, challenges like energy consumption and scalability remain focal points for innovation.
Alexander Loth: Energy consumption has been a significant critique of Bitcoin. How is the blockchain industry addressing this?
Philipp Sandner: Bitcoin’s energy usage has sparked intense debates, but the narrative is evolving. Approximately 70% of Bitcoin mining is now powered by renewable energy, making it a driver for sustainable energy solutions. Innovations in energy markets—such as utilizing stranded renewable energy in remote locations—are reshaping the conversation.
Moreover, alternative consensus mechanisms like Proof of Stake (PoS), prominently adopted by Ethereum during its transition in 2022, have demonstrated that blockchain networks can operate with significantly reduced energy consumption. While Bitcoin remains on Proof of Work (PoW) for its security and decentralization, newer blockchains are pushing the envelope toward energy efficiency.
Alexander Loth: Privacy concerns persist regarding public blockchains. How can these issues be addressed?
Philipp Sandner: The transparency of public blockchains is both a strength and a challenge. Projects like Monero and Zcash focus on privacy-enhanced transactions, offering lessons for mainstream networks. Additionally, zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technologies have matured significantly, enabling verification without revealing underlying data.
In the context of regulated industries, privacy-focused layer-two solutions are emerging to meet compliance requirements. For instance, zkEVM-based rollups on Ethereum provide scalability and privacy, while central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) incorporate privacy safeguards for selective data disclosure.
Alexander Loth: In an era dominated by misinformation and deepfakes, how can blockchain technology safeguard the authenticity of digital content?
Philipp Sandner: Blockchain is set to become the „digital notary of the 21st century“—a guardian of truth in an age of uncertainty. Its immutable and transparent ledger allows us to timestamp and verify the origin of digital content, ensuring that information remains tamper-proof and traceable.
This has profound implications for journalism, social media, and intellectual property. Imagine a world where news articles and videos come with cryptographic signatures that verify their source, or where diplomas and certificates are instantly authenticated on-chain. Projects like The News Provenance Project and NFT-based content verification platforms are already proving that blockchain can protect creators, consumers, and institutions alike from manipulation and fraud.
While challenges around scalability and regulation persist, one thing is clear—blockchain doesn’t just store data; it preserves trust. And in today’s information economy, trust is everything.
Alexander Loth: Smart contracts promise to revolutionize industries. How do you see them shaping the future?
Philipp Sandner: Smart contracts are already disrupting industries by automating processes, reducing costs, and eliminating intermediaries. DeFi has been a game-changer, unlocking decentralized lending, borrowing, and trading protocols. For instance, Uniswap and Aave have demonstrated how financial services can operate autonomously and transparently.
Beyond finance, supply chain management, insurance, and healthcare are adopting smart contracts for seamless operations. Imagine a world where crop insurance automatically pays farmers after satellite data confirms a drought. These use cases are no longer hypothetical—they’re being piloted globally.
In 2024, the rise of enterprise blockchains like Hyperledger Fabric and permissioned Ethereum networks is bridging the gap between public blockchain innovation and corporate adoption.
Alexander Loth: Financial inclusion is a key benefit of blockchain. How has progress been made in reaching unbanked populations?
Philipp Sandner: Blockchain-based solutions have significantly expanded access to financial services. Stablecoins like USDC and the rise of mobile wallets have enabled individuals in underbanked regions to transact securely without traditional banking infrastructure. Initiatives like Stellar and Celo focus explicitly on financial inclusion, empowering communities to store, send, and receive funds with just a smartphone.
The intersection of blockchain and remittances is particularly impactful. In 2024, the cost of cross-border transactions through blockchain is a fraction of traditional methods, ensuring that more value reaches families instead of being absorbed by intermediaries.
Alexander Loth: What advice would you offer to companies exploring blockchain technology?
Philipp Sandner: Start with education and small-scale pilots. Blockchain’s complexity demands a thorough understanding, which can be challenging for senior management. Hands-on experimentation—like tokenizing assets or integrating blockchain for supply chain tracking—provides practical insights.
Organizations should also embrace partnerships. Consortia such as the Ethereum Enterprise Alliance and the Linux Foundation’s Hyperledger project allow companies to learn from peers and collaborate on industry standards.
Finally, treat blockchain as a long-term strategic investment rather than a quick fix. Its potential to transform infrastructure and create new business models is immense but requires commitment and vision.
Alexander Loth: As we look to the future, what excites you most about blockchain and decentralized technologies?
Philipp Sandner: The convergence of blockchain, AI, and IoT holds incredible potential. Blockchain ensures data integrity, IoT devices generate real-time data, and AI analyzes it for actionable insights. Together, they can transform industries—from predictive healthcare powered by secure patient data to autonomous vehicles sharing real-time updates on blockchain.
I’m particularly excited about decentralized identity systems. With advancements in Web3, individuals can own and control their digital identities, reducing reliance on centralized platforms. Projects like Microsoft’s Entra Verified ID are pioneering this space, enabling secure and privacy-preserving identity verification.
The next decade will likely see blockchain evolve into a foundational layer of our digital society, much like the internet did 30 years ago.
Alexander Loth: Finally, what is the best advice you have ever received?
Philipp Sandner: A great source of advice comes from Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In. Some key takeaways that resonate with me are:
Sit at the Table: Don’t shy away from opportunities; put yourself forward.
Address Gender Stereotypes: If you need to negotiate, clarify why you’re doing so but don’t fail to stand up for yourself.
Make Your Partner a Real Partner: Successful careers often involve a supportive home environment.
Offer What the Employer Needs: Align your strengths with what the organization truly values.
Time Is Scarce: You can’t do it all; life is about trade-offs and prioritizing what matters most.
Conclusion on Blockchain’s Future
Blockchain technology has come a long way since the Bitcoin whitepaper of 2008. In just over a decade, it has expanded into a multitude of use cases—from finance and healthcare to identity management and beyond. Prof. Dr. Philipp Sandner emphasizes both the enormous potential of blockchain and the practical challenges to be overcome, including energy consumption, privacy, and regulatory considerations. Whether by speeding up cross-border transactions, facilitating financial inclusion, or transforming how we handle personal data, blockchain and smart contracts offer new horizons for innovation and societal impact. The blockchain future is just beginning.
What is a Decisively Digital Conversation?
Decisively Digital Conversations are incisive interviews with digital masterminds driving innovation at some of today’s top global organizations. The first 24 interviews are featured in the book Decisively Digital, offering insights into the future of technology, data, and AI.
I am continuing this series here on my blog, diving deeper into the trends and technologies shaping our digital world. Stay tuned for more conversations with thought leaders who are redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital age!
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AI & Society: AI’s impact on society discussed in Decisively Digital: From Creating a Culture to Designing Strategy. John Wiley & Sons. (photo by Gerhard Müller)
Three years ago, while drafting my book Decisively Digital (Amazon), I believed that the peak popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) was nearing its zenith. Little did I realize then how profoundly and rapidly the landscape of AI would transform, much like the unexpected and remarkable discovery of the Higgs boson in particle physics. The current surge in AI interest, fueled by innovations like ChatGPT and Copilot, has catapulted AI into a realm of unprecedented growth and societal impact.
AI’s Journey: From Concept to Ubiquity
The journey of AI from a niche concept in the labs of computer scientists to a ubiquitous force in society mirrors the trajectory of many revolutionary technologies. In its infancy, AI was a subject of academic curiosity, often confined to theoretical discussions and small-scale applications.
However, as technology advanced, we witnessed the birth of practical AI applications. From rudimentary chatbots to sophisticated machine learning algorithms, AI began to find its footing in the real world. These applications, although impressive, were just the tip of the iceberg.
Today, AI is not just a tool but a companion in our digital journey. Platforms like ChatGPT have democratized AI, making it accessible to everyone. They’ve turned AI from a mere concept into a daily utility, reshaping how we interact with technology and each other.
AI’s Impact on Society
AI is redefining job roles and industries. It’s automating mundane tasks, enhancing productivity, and even creating new career paths. While there are concerns about AI displacing jobs, it’s also undeniable that AI is creating opportunities for more creative and strategic roles.
As AI becomes more ingrained in our lives, ethical and societal considerations come to the forefront. Issues like privacy, bias in AI algorithms, and the digital divide need urgent attention to ensure that AI benefits society as a whole.
From personalized recommendations on streaming services to AI-assisted medical diagnostics, AI’s presence in our daily lives is growing. It’s not just a corporate or academic tool; it’s becoming a personal assistant, a healthcare advisor, and much more.
The Future of AI and Society
The future of AI is not just about technological advancements but also about how we, as a society, adapt to these changes. It’s about ensuring that AI grows in a way that is ethical, equitable, and beneficial to all.
As AI continues to evolve, it’s essential for individuals and organizations to stay informed and adapt to these changes. Embracing AI doesn’t mean blind adoption; it means understanding its capabilities and limitations and using it to enhance our lives and work.
AI is a catalyst for innovation, driving advancements in various fields. Its potential to solve complex problems and create new opportunities is immense. We are just scratching the surface of what AI can achieve.
Conclusion
The growth of AI, much like the discovery of the Higgs boson, is a breakthrough moment in our history. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and a reminder of the rapid pace of technological change. As we stand at this crossroads, it’s crucial to ponder how AI will shape our society and how we, in turn, will shape AI. The journey of AI is not just about technological development; it’s about the evolution of our society as a whole.
Explore more about the interplay of AI and society in my book Decisively Digital.
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