Science and Technology

Submission of Working Group Report "Achievements and Future Directions of Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan"

August 7, 2017

On August 7, the report of a working group (chaired by Dr. Takashi Shiraishi, President of the Institute of Developing Economies-Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO), Ritsumeikan University Professor) held under the auspices of the Advisory Board for the Promotion of Science and Technology Diplomacy (STD) to consider the achievements and future directions of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs (summary (PDF), full report (PDF)) was published.
The report points out that the establishment of the scientific advisory mechanisms for diplomacy led by the Advisor has created new aspects in Japan’s diplomacy, and sending a clear message that Japan intends to contribute to the international community through science and technology would lead to the enhancement of its soft power. Furthermore, the report concludes that the Advisor should continuously promote the STD’s efforts in line with the following pillars: (1) advice and recommendations to foreign policy based on the scientific evidence, (2) reinforcing national and international network-building and human resource development, and (3) active public relations.