To continue our “Her Voice in Tech: 3 Questions with…” series, Gaia-X speaks with Miki Kanno, Manager at NTT DATA, a leader who’s driving innovation in data spaces and promoting global collaboration. She shares her journey in tech, the importance of supporting future generations of women in the field, and her hopes for Gaia-X in tackling industry challenges and fostering a more connected, sustainable digital future.
- As a woman in tech, how have you leveraged your voice to drive change in your field?
I’m Japanese and after graduating from a science graduate school, I joined NTT DATA, which provides IT services in over 50 countries. I now lead and promote innovation through research and development to achieve a sustainable society including carbon neutrality goals and resolve social issues. In particular, I focus on data spaces, facilitating data sharing and collaboration between diverse entities. As data spaces are global, I interact with people not only in Japan but in various countries and regions in the world.
Throughout my career at NTT DATA, without experiencing any gender-related barriers, I was able to work on a wide range of projects, from mission-critical large-scale public systems and technical support for data processing infrastructure projects on distributed processing to Open Source Software, and now the promotion of data spaces and innovation.
However, in this rapidly evolving technology industry, there weren’t many female role models around me, so I tried to find the answers, to be proactive in moving forward. My first focus is to maximise the value I bring. By creating a roadmap for future innovation and taking decisive action, I am leading the team toward innovative solutions.
Secondly, I share our goals, policies and issues openly and transparently, having respectful minds for others. In this industry, projects are big endeavours which cannot be achieved alone. Sharing with others, who might have similar understanding, often leads to new constructive ideas and collaborations. When colleagues are aligned, and share similar goals, major innovations can be promoted, proving that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, just as in data spaces.
I have been blessed in NTT DATA to work with understanding colleagues and therefore have a strong sense of fulfillment.
- What change would you like to see in the tech industry that will empower future generations of women?
I believe that the technology industry can achieve a better society by adapting to our ever-evolving world and bringing new values. That’s why we need the courage to welcome those new ideas and various opinions and through innovation enable a better future. Challenges faced by anyone should be heard, not limited to women, and this could give birth to new initiatives in the technology industry.
Indeed, innovation has often been a response to solving challenges. While established practices are valuable, by being more tolerant towards innovations, future generations will join the technology industry to achieve their dreams and aspirations through their work.
Anyone with dreams and hopes in the tech industry is welcome, and I hope to work with the next generation to boost it.
- What problem in your industry do you hope Gaia-X will solve in the next 5 years?
I envision Gaia-X as a bridge connecting numerous companies, organisations and people, leveraging data collaboration to drive new business creation or expansion.
Furthermore, international interconnectivity and cooperation between companies and organisations are key to solving social issues.
I hope Gaia-X will match future challenges, and be well established, connecting and enabling many companies and industries. Young people are the true potential of our world and providing them with those opportunities is our responsibility.
I expect Gaia-X to be key in innovation looking forward, fostering collaboration between diverse organisations, regions, industries and future generations. As a co-promoter of data spaces, I desire this level of collaboration and innovation.