On 9 September 2026, the WBO participated in a meeting between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and FARI (AI for the Common Good Institute), a joint initiative of Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel(VUB), in Brussels.
The meeting focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration, providing an opportunity for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government delegation and FARI representatives to exchange views on their respective priorities, expertise, and challenges in applying AI to public services.
The discussions covered several areas of mutual interest, including public data accessibility and interoperability, data-driven policymaking using AI, and the application of robotics and AI in public authorities. FARI introduced its Test and Experiment Center and presented its Policy Twin initiative, illustrating how AI and data technologies can support policy development and decision-making.
Eri Anno, Director of the WBO, joined the meeting and introduced opportunities for collaboration between Waseda University and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, including industry–academia collaboration.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences between Brussels and Tokyo and to explore potential avenues for future collaboration in AI, digital transformation, and public-sector innovation. The WBO will continue to facilitate connections among Japanese and European universities, public authorities, and other stakeholders to promote international research collaboration and knowledge exchange.
