Yukihiro Sato

Yukihiro started his professional career with the government of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). He contributed to policymaking in the fields of science, technology, innovation, engineering, industry, manufacturing and economy. As deputy director of METI’s Policy Planning and Research Office, he authored the ministry’s White Paper on International Economy and Trade 2021 and 2020, which provided an in-depth analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the Japanese manufacturing supply chain.

Yukihiro was also involved in the development of policies to address the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011. These policies were ground-breaking in that they addressed technological and social challenges never faced before by humankind.

Yukihiro was seconded to Kitakyushu City Hall, one of Japan’s four major industrial areas, from 2017 to 2020. As director of Regional Revitalisation Promotion Office, he contributed to the digitalisation of the local manufacturing industry. Through his policies, the national strategic special zone scheme was utilised to realise pilot programmes for the implementation of near-future technologies.

Yukihiro holds both Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering degrees from Osaka University, Japan, as well as a Master of Public Administration degree from University College London, UK.