International Development of Inclusive Innovation in the 5th Japan's Science and Technology Basic Plan

Abstract

Inclusive innovation is defined as “any innovation that leads to affordable access of quality goods and services creating livelihood opportunities for the excluded population, primarily at the base of the pyramid, and on a long term sustainable basis with a significant outreach” (Mashelkar, 2014). Science and technology have critical roles in inclusive innovation to create new values for commodities and the progress of productivity by applying the fruits of science and technology, such as information technologies. However, for innovation to be successfully introduced into the market place and accepted by society, inclusive innovation must be based on not only science and technology, but also on many forms of partnerships and continuous dialogues with stakeholders, including the government, NGOs, private sectors and academia. the 5th Japan's Science and Technology Basic Plan emphasizes that building up government-level international cooperation is also a crucial approach for inclusive innovation, especially in the developing countries dealing with poverty issues and delayed infrastructure construction, as well as lifestyles, industries, and logistics systems differing from those of advanced countries. In addition, non-donor-type international cooperation should promote effective and sustainable economic growth within the development of inclusive innovation.