Japan: background brief on science and innovation talks
Published 6 November 2014
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This publication was archived on 4 July 2016
This article is no longer current. Please refer to Overseas Business Risk – Japan
Summary
Japan is home to Asia’s top university and 20% of the world’s largest R&D intensive companies. Citation of UK-Japan joint research is 2.5 times the world average.Thoughts on how to boost science and technology cooperation. Opportunities to influence Japan’s thinking on science diplomacy and science advisory systems, and for deeper collaboration on research for global challenges and innovation partnership.
Detail
Japan-UK Joint Committee on Cooperation in Science and Technology
The ninth Biennial Japan-UK Joint Committee on Cooperation in Science and Technology will be held on 4 November. The Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Mark Walport, will lead the UK delegation. The recent visit from the FCO’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Robin Grimes, helped develop insight into Japan’s ambitions and priorities.
Background
Japan has ambitions to build its science and innovation influence on a global stage. The government sponsored two major events earlier in October: the 11th annual meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum hosted in Kyoto this month and the ‘Innovation in Cool Earth Forum’ (international conference on energy innovation) in Tokyo
STS Forum discussions on scientific frontiers only scratched the surface. But the event provided opportunities for networking with Nobel prize winners and global research leaders. This year’s STS Forum agenda made space for discussion of policy issues. PM Abe’s appointment as honorary chairman will bring focus to future events and develop the forum’s impact.
Innovation
STS discussions had a strong innovation theme, a key pillar of Japan’s Growth Strategy. Japan is starting a major programme to reform the universities sector and wider innovation infrastructure. Bilateral meetings revealed enthusiasm for international innovation learning and partnerships.
Japan’s objectives and cooperation
The new S&T Minister, Shunichi Yamaguchi, highlighted Japan’s innovation priorities in space and IT. Dr Yuko Harayama, Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology and Innovation (CSTI), explained how Japan is exploring the ‘hubs for innovation’ concept and how to tackle the challenge of moving from concept to demonstration/scale-up. Directors of Japan’s new Strategic Innovation Programme and Centres of Innovation are now in place and open to exploring international partnerships. Joint Committee discussions will support matchmaking with UK counterparts.
STS discussions on science diplomacy, where the forum’s international participants are experienced and influential, were timely. Foreign Minister Kishida, previously Minister for Science and Technology, has asked advisers to develop proposals for new approaches to science diplomacy, including boosting the numbers of scientists going overseas. At bilateral meetings with S&T Ambassador Makoto Katsura and MoFA Director General Takeshi Hikihara, Prof Grimes shared approaches on use of science for diplomacy and to inform policy. The Government Chief Scientific Adviser’s forthcoming visit could help further influence Japanese thinking and encourage development of networks that will help make them stronger partners for the UK on multilateral action on science and technology issues.
Research funders and future themes
Bilateral meetings with Japan’s major research funders (JST and JSPS) highlighted new structures and approaches for research funding. Japan’s next basic plan for Science and Technology will be launched in 2016. This will set priority themes for research activity and cross-cutting areas (such as building capability and talent development).
On international collaboration Japan is developing a new top-up funding scheme for more flexible funding. France and Germany have well established strategic research collaboration with Japan but UK is highly regarded. Funders are keen to meet RCUK’s new champion for international collaboration. A new Japanese funding agency for Medical R&D, to be launched next April, will be a close counterpart to UK’s Medical Research Council.
Comment
As Japan’s 4th most significant international partner for research collaboration (after US, China and Germany), the UK is already in a strong position but we can do more.
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser’s visit will identify specific topics for future research collaboration on global challenges such as an aging population, energy, environment, climate change and disasters. By sharing approaches to promoting research excellence, innovation and using science to inform policy, we can gain insight and influence - and advance bilateral cooperation.
Disclaimer
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