The Origins of the “Science and Technology Innovation Policy” in Japan

Abstract

　 The term “Science and Technology Innovation Policy” is quite unique, which was appeared in the context of science and technology, and other relevant policies in Japan. Both “innovation” and “innovation policy” in Japan have the same scholarly bases and characters as other countries, while Japanese society has recognized “innovation” as “Gijutsu-Kakushin” (technology innovation) ever since. The paper aims to describe the scholarly background of “innovation” and “innovation policy”, and the reason why Japan’s policy required the concept of “Science and Technology Innovation Policy” instead of “innovation policy.” Finally, the paper intends to discuss that the economic growth strategy introduced by the second Abe administration was eager for the potentials of “Science and Technology Innovation Policy,” which made “innovation” so popular among the general public as if it was a buzzword or a hype.