Japan: Scientific advancement and innovation

Prof Dr Preethi Kesavan, Head, School of Advanced Technology and Digital Media at LSBF Singapore, expounds on the potential of scientific advancement and innovation, using the Japanese exemplar

In an era where technological advancement is the prevailing change of progress, the vital role of science, research, and innovation cannot be overstressed.

In the Asian landscape, Japan has emerged at the forefront in harnessing the potential of these domains to propel societal and economic advancement. Endowed with a sophisticated framework of policies, strategies, and institutions, Japan serves as an essential illustration of how a nation can adeptly exploit science and technology for the betterment of its populace.

Scientific advancement: Promoting Research and Development

Japan’s science and technology ecosystem focuses on the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). MEXT assumes a pivotal role in the formulation and execution of specific plans for the promotion of Research and Development (R&D).

Yet, what distinguishes Japan is the dexterity with which MEXT seamlessly collaborates with other governmental agencies, engendering a unified approach to promoting Science and Technology (S&T) nationwide.

A cornerstone in the landscape of Japan’s S&T endeavours is the Science and Technology Basic Plan, instituted in November 1995 under the aegis of the Science and Technology Basic Law. This plan assumes the role of a guiding star, meticulously charting the nation’s course within the realm of scientific and technological innovation. It delineates strategic priorities, allocates funding judiciously, and prescribes temporal milestones, thus imparting clarity and direction to Japan’s scientific pursuits.

Critically, Japan’s approach transcends mere financial support and policy formulation. MEXT actively cultivates synergy between universities and business enterprises.

This synergetic interaction between academic institutions and the private sector engenders a dynamic milieu where research is not confined to the ivory towers of academia but is pragmatically applied. The ability to translate research findings into tangible applications and products is an emblematic hallmark of Japan’s successful route.

Moreover, MEXT offers adept counsel on intellectual property and technology transfer matters. This guidance plays an instrumental role in safeguarding innovations and ensuring their effective dissemination, thereby facilitating the transference of technology from the realm of academia to the sphere of industry. This collaborative endeavour serves as a pivotal bridge connecting knowledge generation to its pragmatic application, thereby expediting the tempo of innovation.

Scientific advancement and research in Asia

In the broader context of Asia and the global arena, science and research emerge as the linchpins that enable the genesis of fresh knowledge domains and impel innovation. Japan’s paradigm illuminates how a nation can nurture an environment where cutting-edge research is encouraged and effectively applied.

The ensuing innovations precipitate a ripple effect, disseminating knowledge within the confines of the country and globally, thus enriching the collective reservoir of human understanding.

Facilitating substantial international research initiatives is another facet of Japan’s modus operandi. These grand-scale projects assume pivotal importance in cultivating the requisite infrastructure for research. By establishing global research centres, Japan broadens its scientific outreach, thus fostering international collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries. In an era of profound interconnectedness, such undertakings are indispensable for tackling multifaceted global challenges, ranging from climate change to public health crises.

Fundamental research in Japan

Fundamental research, often recognised as the foundation of scientific progress, assumes a pivotal role within Japan’s strategic framework. While applied research may yield immediate practical benefits, fundamental research is the foundation for all innovation. It expands the frontiers of human knowledge, paving the way for pioneering discoveries that propel innovation.

Fundamental research is not merely an intellectual pursuit; it emerges as a potent catalyst for both societal and economic growth. Within Japan, it has been instrumental in kindling innovation across a spectrum of sectors, encompassing domains from electronics to healthcare. The successful discovery of novel materials, exploration of uncharted energy sources, and breakthroughs in medical science can all trace their origins to fundamental research.

The impact of fundamental research transcends the confines of the laboratory. It augments the nation’s societal and economic growth by igniting innovation, ushering in novel industries, and generating employment opportunities. Furthermore, it safeguards a nation’s competitiveness in a swiftly evolving global landscape.

Science, research, innovation and technology

In summary, Japan’s paradigm for science, research, innovation, and technology serves as a beacon for nations aspiring to harness the full potential of these domains. MEXT’s collaborative synergy with governmental agencies, the meticulous stratagem offered by the Science and Technology Basic Plan, and the accentuation of university-business alliances have culminated in an ecosystem where science drives progress.

This paradigm serves as a testament to the potency of fundamental research and underscores the imperative nature of international cooperation in an era where knowledge transcends geographical frontiers. Japan’s narrative of triumph in these realms offers invaluable insights for nations globally, eager to embrace the transformative potential of science and innovation. ⁽¹⁾