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Hiromi Okuda: 'Humans and emerging tech should exist symbiotically'
Hiromi Okuda, founder of Wiz. Group, emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, reflecting on her 30-year career at the intersection of IT and social issues, initiated by her experiences volunteering in India. She believes technology can bridge the poverty gap and has worked to connect local and international tech communities in Japan.
Key points
- Hiromi Okuda has over 30 years of experience at the intersection of IT and social issues.
- She founded Wiz. Group to connect tech events in Japan with global influences.
- Okuda's interest in social welfare and IT was sparked by her fieldwork in India, where she witnessed significant living standard disparities.
- Recognizing personal limitations in effecting change, she pivoted to technology, inspired by influential figures like Steve Jobs and Tim Berners-Lee.
- She believes that technology can significantly bridge social and economic gaps.
Why it matters
- The growing trend of tech-driven social innovation is reflected in current 2025 IT trends, which emphasize technology's role in addressing societal challenges.
- Okuda's insights resonate with global movements advocating for equitable tech access and sustainable development.
- Similar to past tech revolutions, the present pushes for a harmonious integration of technological advancements and social welfare.
Hiromi Okuda's vision underscores the crucial role of technology in driving social change, advocating for a balanced coexistence of technology and humanity, relevant to contemporary trends in IT that emphasize social responsibility.