#Japan #Shizuoka #Waseda University #Value Elicitation #VETA Corporation

Innovative Collaboration Among VETA, Waseda University, and Shizuoka City

VETA Corporation, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has embarked on a pioneering research project in collaboration with Waseda University and Shizuoka City. This initiative aims to revolutionize citizen satisfaction surveys through the application of VETA's proprietary Value Elicitation (VE) method, marking the first significant introduction of the approach within local government operations.

On March 26, 2026, a formal agreement was established between Shizuoka City and Waseda University, accompanied by a press conference unveiling the partnership. The primary goal of this collaboration is to deepen the understanding of citizens' underlying values through an innovative survey technique, thereby allowing their perspectives to be accurately reflected in governmental policies.

Background and Objectives of the Joint Research

In many municipalities, including Shizuoka City, citizens are often asked to provide feedback through surveys on various aspects affecting their satisfaction and the quality of local governance. However, traditional survey methods often fall short, failing to capture the underlying values that shape residents' responses. This creates obstacles for policymakers, making it challenging to formulate specific measures based on survey findings.

To address these limitations, the collaboration introduces the VE method as a new analytical tool. The VE method quantitatively assesses the decision-making process by identifying the various factors individuals prioritize when making choices. Unlike conventional surveys that pose isolated questions, the VE approach allows for causative inference regarding the influence of each factor on individual decisions, which is supported by academic research.

This patented technology has been utilized in electoral contexts, such as the House of Councilors and House of Representatives elections in Japan, demonstrating its capability to match voter preferences with political parties while presenting users with scoring on their policy priorities. Additionally, the VE method has been applied in evidence-based policymaking (EBPM) within the public sector, paving the way for its inaugural application in municipal governance.

Future Plans

Shizuoka City plans to conduct a citizen survey utilizing the VE method in June 2026. VETA Corporation is set to collaborate with Waseda University to design, implement, and analyze this survey. By merging the insights of VETA and Waseda, the research aims to uncover the latent values and priorities of individuals that traditional methods often overlook, thereby ensuring that citizen voices are accurately represented in local policies.

Moreover, VETA intends to package the knowledge and outcomes generated from this collaborative research to promote the utilization of VE methods in similar citizen surveys across various municipal governments. This will also support the advancement of EBPM initiatives more broadly.

Conclusion

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in refining how local governments can engage with citizens and make informed policy decisions based on deeper insights into public opinion. The potential impact of VETA's innovative approach to understanding citizen values and priorities could set a new standard for municipal governance practices across Japan.

About VETA Corporation

Founded on April 30, 2025, VETA Corporation strives to leverage cutting-edge social science knowledge to eliminate friction caused by value misalignment within society. The company’s leadership comprises CEO Ken Hara, Chief Strategy Officer Teppei Yamamoto, and Chief Knowledge Officer Airo Hino, who are committed to realizing a more cohesive and responsive civic environment.