The world has been undergoing disruptive changes in all aspects of society as results of the rapid development of ICT and AI, borderlessness, and other factors. Japan must respond to these trends in the face of difficult conditions caused by slower economic growth and declining population. For this reason, various organizations are working on digital transformation (DX*1), in which digital technology transforms business and life, and for that the march toward a digital society is gaining strength. Under these circumstances, the University must fulfill its role of leading this social progress while transforming ourselves and advancing education, research, and social contribution, which are our main missions.
At the University of the Ryukyus, we have been digitizing our operations and reforming our organizations and activities in a timely manner. Now, we must further strengthen these efforts, add unique Okinawan characteristics, and urgently promote a reform (transformation) to recreate the value of the University's existence reflecting a new post-covid image of the University.
In response, the University will launch a project to promote "Ryudai Transformation (RX*2)," which aims to significantly transform education, student support, research, healthcare, administration, and our work style through DX. The RX Promotion Project will be carried out, in the style of "challenge with enjoyment" and "proceed without hesitation" in mind, combining the wisdom and power of each and every member of the University, tackling individual issues, and learning from the results. In addition, we expedite the cycle of challenging new issues.
Through the RX Promotion Project, the University aims to further advance as "a university that designs a prosperous future together with the local community" while enhancing functionality of the university and realizing a fulfilling campus life for our members.
August 16, 2022
President NISHIDA Mutsumi
University of the Ryukyus
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*1 Abbreviation of Digital Transformation: Because of its meaning as “crossing” or “intersecting,” the abbreviation “X” is used for “Trans.” The term “Digital Transformation” is said to have originated in Stolterman and Fors (2004), where it was defined as “changes that the digital technology causes or influences in all aspects of human life.” However, in Japan, the term is now used to mean “change for the better” that should be aimed for.
*2 Abbreviation of Ryudai Transformation: The alphabetical form of "琉大(Ryudai)," the common name of the University of the Ryukyus, is used for the project name.
