The Forum gathers European scientists who have taken part in a Hitachi program called HIVIPS (Hitachi Research Visit Program) consisting of long-term placements in the Hitachi laboratories and factories in Japan. The Forum is designed to meet two objectives. The first one is to provide an annual occasion for all the European HIVIPS to meet friends and colleagues. The second one is to provide a platform where they can address and discuss social issues related to science and technology in the daily life of their European fellow citizens.

In 1998, the Forum concept was successfully tested with the working theme: "Research and Development in Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a comparison between the EU and Japan" and was held in Juan-les-Pins, near Nice, France. At the 1999 Forum, members discussed social issues related to "Information technology and its benefits to society" in Krefeld, Germany. In 2000, the Forum was held in Ireland with the working theme "Electronic commerce and its impact on society". In 2001, the 4th Forum took place in Brussels and focused on the theme " Life sciences and their impact on European society". At the 5th Forum, held in Budapest, Hungary, European and Japanese experts who have a keen interest in European social issues discussed the theme of: "Water Issues and their Impact on European Society".

The working theme for this year's Forum will be "Energy and its Implications for EU Society". Dr. Shigeru Azuhata, General Manager of Hitachi's Power & Industrial Systems R & D Laboratory will outline Hitachi's technology for energy solutions. Dr Azuhata will be joined by many experts from European governments, industries and Non Government Organisations (NGOs) who will outline their thoughts.

The Forum requires the support of experts who have a keen interest in European social issues and who are interested in contributing to the overall success of the Forum. They have a strong personal commitment both during plenary sessions and preparatory meetings together with Forum working group members. This group, known as Forum Fellows, includes such individuals as Dr. Michiharu Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Hitachi, Ltd. and President of its R&D Group, Mr. Robert Verrue, Director General, DG-Taxation and Customs Union and Mr. Mark Cantley, Advisor on Life Sciences, DG-Research of the European Commission.