Science Council of Japan and the Science and Technology Policy

Abstract

The Science Council of Japan (SCJ) was strongly influential over the nation's science and technology policies after it was established in 1949. Almost all governmental investments in science and technology policies, such as founding new research institutions, or introducing new scientific research facilities, were implemented based on the recommendation of SCJ. Gradually, however, the government has been developing its own policy-making system as well as implementation bodies. Following these changes, the role of SCJ has been changing toward an advisory capacity for the government through proposing recommendation reports on various science and technology subjects. Today, it still has a close relationship with the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI), the government council in charge of science and technology policies. The president of SCJ participates in CSTI as a member and delivers recommendations during discussions on the new Science and Technology Basic Plan. The Fifth Basic plan was launched in April, 2016, introducing the new era of science and technology based on the concept of Society 5.0. SCJ proposed the important role of basic sciences and the fostering of a new generation of scientists to support the new era.