What connectivity really means

Connectivity is a broad and often misunderstood concept. In this context connectivity is closely tied to the UN SDGs (United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals). The core dimensions of sustainable connectivity – Transportation, Energy, Digitalization, and Human interaction across borders – are firmly embedded in the intentions of these SDGs.

 Here, economic connectivity is an aspect that involves fostering economic growth that benefits all populations and stakeholders affected by economic activities, such as those initiated by governments or multinational corporations.

 While similar to the globalization concept, which tended to address economic benefits for investing corporations and host country companies, economic connectivity differs by emphasizing the equitable distribution of benefits along value chains, ensuring social, economic, and environmental sustainability for all stakeholders involved and not only for companies.

 In other words, we are talking about social, economic, and environmentally sustainable growth dimensions of the UN SGDs.

 Traditional globalization has often resulted in inequality and uneven distribution of wealth, particularly through multinational corporations' value chains. Economic connectivity seeks to address these imbalances by promoting fair wealth distribution among all stakeholders. The EU and Japan's joint efforts in fostering sustainable economic growth through economic inclusion exemplify this approach – that is, economic connectivity.

 These efforts not only benefit the global community but also enhance connectivity within Europe and Japan, particularly through the digital transformation of rural areas and the revitalization of marginalized regions.

 Therefore, an increased awareness and knowledge of what connectivity really means is essential in order to achieve the essence of the main dimension of connectivity: Humans and people-to-people connectivity.

Dr H Richard Nakamura is Senior Lecturer in International Business Studies and Management at University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and Research Associate at the European Institute of Japanese Studies at the Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden.