Call for Development of "Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Plan" that Contributes to Future Creation
- Second Proposal Toward Formulating the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan -
(PDF Format)

Basic Approach

The Science and Technology Basic Plan, first formed in 1995, is a five-year mid-term plan formulated based on the Science and Technology Basic Law and by looking about 10 years ahead. Back then, the plan was aimed at promoting science and technology, while in the fourth plan, the concept of "science, technology and innovation" was proposed for the first time. Under the Abe administration, science and technology are considered integrally with innovation, and various measures are being taken from the standpoints of resolving global issues facing humankind as well as enhancing Japan's international competitiveness. In particular, it is highly appreciated that there have been outstanding accomplishments such as expanding the industrial committee and the creation of new programs such as the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) and the Impulsing PAradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies (ImPACT), following the Council for Science and Technology Policy becoming the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) in May 2014 due to a revision to the Act for Establishment of the Cabinet Office.

While the current age is said to be a new era of industrial revolution, science, technology and innovation policies have now come to play a part in the national government's important growth strategy. European countries, the United States and Asian nations have been reinforcing their efforts in this area and Japan should not disturb this flow.

The fifth basic plan, which will cover the period from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2020, will be the first basic plan formulated under the CSTI and the industrial world has great expectations. It is expected that the upcoming plan will treat science, technology and innovation policies as a national growth strategy, and it is also hoped that the policies will be evolved into a "science, technology and innovation basic plan" which is full of imagination for reviving our country and creating its future.

Table of Contents

Basic Approach

1. Necessity for planning based on national vision

2. Important viewpoints toward future creation

   1. Advent of "new industrial revolution" by information and communication technology (ICT): Internet of Things (IoT)
   2. Response to International Standardization with Focus on System
   3. Full-scale promotion for open innovation

3. Important Challenges toward future creation

   1. Take on challenges for cross-ministerial/innovative issues of the nation: continuation of SIP and ImPACT
   2. Overcome constraints on resources/environment/energy, etc.
   3. Respond to super-aged society
   4. Security/safety and national existence
   5. Enhance common fundamental technologies

4. Enhancement of innovation/national system

   1. Further enhance the control tower function of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation
   2. National university reforms
   3. Research and development agency reforms
   4. Funding system reforms
   5. Form new clusters that contribute to regional revitalization
   6. Human resource development and understandings and support from the public
   7. Ensure science and technology budget without fail

5. Initiatives as an industry