【document2】next mid to long-term plan (draft) of the japan ... · improvement of support for...

Next Mid to Long-Term Plan (draft) of the Japan Science and Technology Agency（Replies to questions raised at the previous meeting）

Science and Technology Policy BureauMinistry of Education, Science, Sport and Culture

Document 2

◯ Does the ministry bind the agency by creating evaluation axes and evaluation indexes?

◯ Does one to one association of mid to long-term objectives and mid to long-term plans discourage the challenging mind of the agency?

→According to the “Guidelines on Objectives Formulation of the Incorporated Administrative Agencies” (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, revised on May 25, 2015), the competent minister is responsible for setting appropriate evaluation axes when objectives are determined based on the role (mission) and objectives of the national R&D agency concerned and in consideration of the opinion at the council meeting on national R&D agencies and R&D, and presenting it to said agency. It also stipulates about the indexes, etc. relating to the evaluation axis that the present situations, outputs and outcomes of the agency shall be taken into consideration in setting evaluation indexes. As just described, the competent minister is required to set evaluation axes, etc. based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and in consideration of the opinion of the national R&D agency concerned, and reexamine and revise them in a flexible manner according to changes in social environment, etc. so as not to bind the agency too much.

→According to the “Guidelines on Objectives Formulation of the Incorporated Administrative Agencies,” the mid to long-term plan shall mention specific efforts for each of the mid to long-term objectives presented by the competent minister,” and “with regard to the specific efforts specified the mid to long-term plan (omitted), independence and autonomy of the national R&D agency concerned shall be considered first, and this shall not be bounded by the mid to long-term objectives.” Therefore, the competent minister sets the objectives of administration in the mid to long-term objectives, while JST is currently preparing more specific explanation (e.g., level of efforts and measures) taken by JST in the mid and long-term plan for each of these objectives.

Questions and Replies

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I. Matters concerning Maximization of R&D Outcomes and Improvement of Quality of Other Operations (Means for achieving objectives)

2. Creation of knowledge and conversion to economic and social values

2.1. Promoting R&D for future industrial development and social transformation

[Approaches](Promotion of high impact R&D for future society)

(Promotion of strategic R&D)

(Expansion of outcomes of industry-academia R&D)

[Planned achievements (level)](Promotion of high impact R&D for future society)



Structure of JST Mid to Long-Term Plan (Example)

*See the attached sheet for more details.

<Mid to long-term objectives> <Mid to long-term plan＞

III. Matters concerning Maximization of R&D Outcomes and Improvement of Quality of Other Operations


2.1. Promoting R&D for future industrial development and social transformation

(Promotion of high impact R&D for future society)



Specific efforts of JST to conduct R&D programs based on the mid to long-term objectives including:・Details of program・Implementation

method・System ・Planned

achievement

Functions and objectives set by the competent minister and observed by JST for R&D

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JST’s Approach to Achieve Mid to Long-Term Objectives Point ①

Maximize R&D outcomes by making best use of agency’s resources as the core institution to promote the Science and Technology Basic Plan in a comprehensive manner

●Promotion of R&D for future industrial development and social transformation

▢ Construction of a comprehensive system covering basic research to support for commercialization and creation of intellectual property

●Plans and suggestions for R&D strategy to co-create the future

▢ Complete reorganization of management segmented by R&D programs

▢ Promotion of communication and cooperation with various stakeholder in Japan and overseas

▢ Establishment of a personnel network allowing the collection of latest and useful information

▢ Implementation of challenging R&D that may exert a large impact on economy and society

Points in the Science and Technology Basic Plan

●Establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital for STI creation

●Promotion of discontinuous STI creation

Points in the Mid to Long-Term Objectives

▢ Foresighted and strategic operation with trends in Japan and overseas in mind

▢ Accumulation of personnel, knowledge and capital from the industry, academia and government with universities and public institutes as the core

▢ Improvement of support for university startup companies creation

▢ Promotion of innovation creation using intellectual properties scattered across universities and companies

▢ Establishment of a self-sustained intellectual property management system according to intellectual property strategies determined by the relevant university

▢ Challenging R&D focusing on economic and social impact

Foresighted, strategic, diversified and flexible management by maximizing the characteristics as the network institute

Enhancement of inter-program cooperation to make use of Agency’s diversity and comprehensive strength

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JST’s Approach to Achieve Mid to Long-Term Objectives Point ②

●Enhancement and reinforcement of internal control

▢ Support of universities, etc. to acquire intellectual property and improve their intellectual property and technology transfer management capability

●Establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital▢ “Places” for industry-academia-government cooperation

▢ Promotion of R&D in a competitive environment and industrialization in the most suitable way according to R&D themes, characteristics and stages to bridge outcomes to companies

▢ Accumulation of private funds by supporting industrialization and startup companies, using intellectual properties, and establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital

▢ Enhancement and reinforcement of internal control under strong leadership of the president

●Enhancement of information platforms, reexamination of assets, and improvement of financial condition

Points in the Science and Technology Basic Plan

●Deepening of relationships between innovation and various stakeholders in society

Points in the Mid to Long-Term Objectives

●Organizational reform and improved function

▢ Promotion of “co-creation” for policy formulation and knowledge creation through communication and cooperation with various stakeholders

▢ Organizational reform and improved function as the driving power of innovation systems

▢ Development and operation of an appropriate management system under the strong leadership of the president

Questions from Committee on the System of Evaluating Incorporated Administrative Agencies:

●Radical revision of science and technology information delivery service such as the change to a business model allowing stable management

●Disposal and transfer to the National Diet Library of materials held at the Tsukuba Information Center and discussion about discontinuation of the center

●Improvement of “bridge” capability by fully using research fund distribution function

▢ Disposal and transfer to the National Diet Library of materials held at the Tsukuba Information Center and discussion about discontinuation of the center

▢ Management focusing on strategic aspect of cooperation with research institutes in Japan and overseas under powerful management of the president and strategic PR activities to improve presence

▢ Radical revision of services for reduction of financial loss and with trends of open science in mind (promotion of advanced use of information such as analysis service using unique ideas and devices in the private sector

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Evaluation Axes/Indexes in Mid to Long-Term Objectives (Example) ①

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Input Action Output

Work processes Achievements

Outcome

1. Plans and suggestions for R&D strategy to co-create the future

Budget

Personnel

Wide use of R&D strategies and scenarios

Plans and suggestions for foresighted and high-quality R&D strategies and scenarios

Communicate and cooperate through scientific communication activities

Collect and analyze information in Japan and overseas

Communicate and cooperate with various stakeholders

Improve quality of R&D strategies and scenarios

Information on R&D, etc. STI creation that

win understanding from the public

Purpose: In the era of drastic changes, the Agency shall make plans and suggestions for R&D strategies with foresight by taking into account trends in Japan and overseas, and identifying the expectancy to science and social issues to be resolved through communication and cooperation with society and analysis of objective data to maintain and improve the competitive strength of Japan in future years through the promotion of science and technology, and contribute to sustainable development of the international community, even though the future is uneasy and foggy.

Evaluation Axes/Indexes in Mid to Long-Term Objectives (Example) ②

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Input Action Output

Work processes Achievements

Outcome

Evaluation axis: Are processes for making plans for R&D strategies and social scenarios appropriate?

Evaluation axis: Are foresighted, high-quality R&D strategies and social scenarios planned and applied to develop policies, measures and R&D?

R&D strategy plans, etc.

Progress of improving quality of R&D strategies and social scenarios, etc.

Distribution of achievements

Progress of survey and analysis of overseas trends, etc.

Use of achievements (R&D strategies, social scenarios), knowledge and information

Budget

Settlement

No. of persons

1.1. Making plans and suggestions for foresighted R&D strategies (evaluation axis/index)

Operation of Chinese document database

Outcomes of R&D in and outside the Agency conducted according to R&D strategies and social scenarios

Progress of survey and analysis

Informationon R&D

Purpose: The Agency shall establish a human network to collect latest and useful information, and based on the survey and analysis of science and technology policies and trends of R&D in Japan and overseas, make suggestions for foresighted, high-quality R&D strategies that Japan should take on. It shall also estimate the realization of a future low-carbon society with sustainable development in 2050, and make suggestions for high-quality social scenarios and strategies that will lead us to achieve it.

Improvement of usage and cooperation of Agency’s R&D programs and management, etc.

Social scenario plans

Blue: Monitoring index Red: Evaluation index

Participation of various stakeholders

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A Comparison of Table of Mid to Long-Term Objectives (draft) and Mid to Long-Term Plan (draft) Japan Science and Technology Agency

* Underlined portions of the text (_) in the Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) indicate the specific detail of the counterparts in the Next Mid to Long-Term Objectives

(draft).

Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks (Introduction)

In accordance with the provisions in Article 35 of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies (Act No. 103 of 1999), the Japan Science and Technology Agency, a national research and development agency, defines the operational objectives (hereinafter, “Mid- and Long-term Objectives”).

(Forward) The Japan Science and Technology Agency, Incorporated

Administrative Agency (hereinafter the “Agency”) has drafted a plan, as defined in this document, to achieve the Mid to Long-term Objectives for five years from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2022 pursuant to the provisions of 5-1, Article 35 of According to the Act on General Rules of Incorporated Administrative Agency (Act No. 103 of 1999).

I. Position and Role of a Corporation under Policy System We have been ushered in an “era of drastic change” in which the

process of creating knowledge and values has drastically transformed causing the economic and social structures of the nation to significantly change on a daily basis. In these times, we need to powerfully carry out science, technology and innovation policies to open the way to the future and solve various problems in Japan and overseas.

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (“the Agency”) has taken a core role in the Science and Technology Basic Plan, and largely contributed to creating science, technology and innovation as a national research and development agency aiming at promoting science and technology as its basic objectives through a comprehensive operation of programs such as basic research and basic R&D of science and technology for creating new technologies and developing industrialization with new technologies, programs for

(Preface) The Agency has conducted R&D ranging from basic research to

practical application, as well as planning R&D strategy, supporting the creation of intellectual property, providing science communication, developing science, technology and innovation platforms, and fostering next-generation human resources in a comprehensive manner, largely contributing to creating science, technology and innovation in Japan as the core institution in the Science and Technology Basic Plan. Being a national R&D agency since 2015, it has further contributed to maximizing R&D outcomes as the primary purpose by taking advantage of its characteristics as the fixed-term, optimum R&D promotion system beyond the bounds of an organization (network type institute).

On the other hand, the linear model that contains every aspect of research from basic research to application and development is not necessarily applicable to sophisticated and diversified industrial needs

Attached Sheet

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks distributing science and technology information, and programs for developing platforms to promote other science and technology.

The 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan (determined by the cabinet on January 22, 2016) will promote its policies to achieve the “target national profile” consisting of 1) sustainable growth and self-sustaining regional development, 2) safety and security for our national and its citizens along with a high-quality, prosperous way of life, 3) response to global challenges and contribute to global development, and 4) sustainable creation of intellectual property. The science, technology and innovation policies will be promoted to make Japan as “the most innovation-friendly country in the world” to achieve the “target national profile” according to two basic principles: Focus on the ability to look ahead with vision and strategically take action (foresight and strategy), and enhance the ability to respond appropriately to any kind of change (diversity and flexibility). With this in mind, four pillars, i) Acting to create new value for the development, ii) Addressing economic and social challenges, iii) Reinforcing the “fundamentals” of STI, and iv) Establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital for innovation, have been established. It is deemed essential to deepen the relationship between STI and society and enhance capacity to promote STI for effective and efficient promotion of the four pillars.

The Agency will carry forward the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan in an effective and efficient manner through the operation with full of foresight, strategy, diversity and flexibility by maximizing its characteristics as an organization capable of developing R&D plans and having its own science and technology information platform while being a network institute capable of building a fixed-term, optimum R&D promotion system based on the partnership with national R&D agencies, universities and private enterprises beyond the bounds of organizations. In the period of the

and social issues in recent years. To contribute more to maximizing R&D outcomes, the Agency must enhance its strategic strength in management for adapting to the changing world and proactively conduct R&D, rather than relying on other institutes, by taking advantage of having a strategy planning function and science and technology information platform of its own. Development of human resources, and communication and cooperation with society (co-creation) are essential to promote science, technology and innovation in Japan. The importance of this concept is emphasized in the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan (decided by the Cabinet on January 22, 2016).

Accordingly, the Agency will pursue the creation of science, technology and innovation while strengthening inter-program cooperation based on three pillars as listed below. ・ Plans and proposals for R&D strategies to co-create the future ・ Creation of knowledge and conversion to economic and social

values ・ Promotion of future co-creation and development of human

resources Through these efforts, the Agency will contribute to creating science,

technology and innovation during the period of this mid to long-term plan as the core institution for implementing the Science and Technology Basic Plan.

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks mid- and long-term objectives, it will also contribute to implementing the science, technology and innovation policies of Japan as the core institution which continues to carry out the Science and Technology Basic Plan. According to the direction of mid to long-term policies defined in the Science and Technology Basic Plan, the Agency also responds to the Comprehensive Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation which determines the major actions taken in each fiscal year based on changes in the situation every year.

(Attachment) Policy System Diagram II. Period for Mid to Long-term Objectives

The period for the mid to long-term objectives will be five years from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2022.

III. Matters concerning Maximization of R&D Outcomes and Improvement of Quality of Other Operations

I. Measures for Maximizing R&D Outcomes and Improving Quality of Other Operations

As the core institution to conduct the Science and Technology Basic Plan, the Agency aims to maximize the outcomes of R&D in Japan through a comprehensive approach to make plans and proposals for R&D strategies for promoting the “co-creation” of future, create knowledge and convert it to economic and social values, and develop human resources for promoting the “co-creation” of future and creating the future by utilizing the Agency’s characteristics as the network institute capable of maximizing the use of resources in Japan and overseas.

In promoting the plan, it is essential to align the projects for making good use of the diversity and collective strength of the Agency.

Evaluation is made based on the evaluation axes and related indexes, etc. in the attached sheets.

The Agency will promote the programs listed below to create science, technology and innovation for maximizing the outcomes of the whole R&D in Japan as the core institution in the Science and Technology Basic Plan by making use of its advantage to own a strategy planning function and science and technology information platform and its characteristics as the network type institute.

1. Plans and proposals for R&D strategies to co-create the future

The Agency will pursue communication and cooperation of a variety of stakeholders (co-creation), and make plans and proposals for evidence based, foresighted R&D strategies and scenarios to contribute to formulating R&D policies of the Agency and Japan.

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks 2. Creation of knowledge and conversion to economic and social values

The Agency proactively promotes R&D as the network type institute according to the overall strategy of the MEXT, including social implementation of science and technology, support for intellectual property activities, international co-creation, and improvement of information platforms.

3. Promotion of future co-creation and development of human resources

The Agency promotes communication and cooperation of a variety of stakeholders to co-create a future society, and feed the results of communication and cooperation into strategy planning and R&D. It also develops various human resources who are expected to boldly challenge the development of next-generation human resources and creation of science, technology and innovation, all of which must contribute to creating the sustainable science, technology and innovation.

The Agency takes advantage of its characteristics as the network

type institute based on partnership with national R&D agencies, universities and companies to manage programs with foresight, strategy, diversity and flexibility. Females and foreigners are encouraged to participate in its programs as a variety of human resources need to participate to create science, technology and innovation. Inter-program cooperation must be strengthened to take advantage of the diversity and comprehensive power of the Agency.

1. Plans and proposals for R&D strategies to co-create the future In the era of drastic changes, the Agency will make plans and

proposals for R&D strategies with foresight by taking into account

1. Plans and proposals for R&D strategies to co-create the future In the era of drastic changes, the Agency shall make plans and

proposals for R&D strategies with foresight by taking trends in Japan

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks trends in Japan and overseas, and identifying the expectancy to science and social issues to be resolved through communication and cooperation with society and analysis of objective data to maintain and improve the competitive strength of Japan in future years through the promotion of science and technology, and contribute to sustainable development of the international community, even through the future is uneasy and foggy.

and overseas into account, and identifying what to be expected for resolving scientific and social issues through communication and cooperation with society and analysis of objective data to maintain and improve the competitive strength of Japan in future years through the promotion of science and technology, and contribute to the sustainable development of the international community, even through the future is uneasy and foggy.

1.1 Making plans and proposals for foresighted R&D strategies The Agency will establish a human network to collect latest and

valuable information, and based on the survey and analysis of science and technology policies and trend of R&D in Japan and overseas, make proposals for foresighted, high-quality R&D strategies that Japan should take. It will also estimate the realization of a future society towards realizing a low-carbon society with sustainable development in 2050, and make proposals for high-quality social scenarios and strategies that will lead us to the way to achieve it.

In making plans for R&D strategies, social scenarios and strategies, etc., focus will be put on the communication and cooperation, namely, co-creation by various stakeholders in Japan and overseas. This needs to be effectively linked to the science and technology communication in covered in III., Section 3.

The resulting R&D strategies and social scenarios and strategies, etc. will be used as the Agency’s R&D policies and actively disseminated to various stakeholders in Japan and overseas for a variety of timely application such as utilization in Japan’s R&D strategies.

In doing so, the Agency will strengthen the mutual collaboration of R&D strategy planning functions and cooperation with its management and R&D programs.

1.1 Making plans and proposals for R&D strategies with foresight

The Agency conducts various surveys and analyses, and makes proposals for foresighted and high-quality R&D strategies and social scenarios, as well as strengthening the mutual collaboration of R&D strategy planning functions and cooperation with its management and R&D programs. [Approach] (Common to all categories) ・ Establish a human network to collect latest and valuable

information in surveys and analyses, and use information from other programs in the Agency to a maximum extent.

・ Promote communication and cooperation of a variety of stakeholders (co-creation) in determining R&D strategies and social scenarios. This includes the effective cooperation with scientific communication activities mentioned in Section 3.

・Promote a wide application of R&D outcomes by actively distributing them to a variety of stakeholders such as the government, universities, companies and local governments for use in R&D strategies in Japan, and keep track of the state of achievements in R&D carried out according to R&D strategies and social scenarios or strategies, etc. in and outside the Agency to improve the quality of R&D.

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks

(Proposals for R&D strategies) ・Survey and analyze trends in science and technology policies and

R&D in Japan and overseas according to the overview of science and technology fields including trends of leading-edge research subjects, analysis of social expectations and issues including social and economic needs, and collect and compare information from other countries by participating in global R&D networks, etc., while focusing on the exchange of opinions with science and technology policy planning personnel and researchers.

・Gather, survey and analyze data useful for strategy planning and proposals from a wide range of fields to know science and technology policies and trends of R&D, and related economic and social situations in China which has achieved significant economic growth and is becoming a big power on science and technology by focusing on mutual communication and understanding.

・Select fields, areas and themes which may add further weight to the future and ways to promote R&D in a systematic manner based on the results of above surveys and analyses, and make plans and proposals for R&D strategies including practical application for use in the policies of the Agency, the government and a wide range of other areas.

(Proposals for social scenarios and strategies) ・Conduct basic survey and analysis on the development of social

scenarios and strategies to realize a low-carbon society in 2050 according to the ratification of Paris Agreement in view of mutual relationships and synergetic effects of industrial structure, social structure, lifestyle and systematized techniques, etc. by focusing on the cooperation with related programs in the Agency to

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks improve social scenarios and strategies to suggest.

・Establish a system involving researchers from humanity and social science and natural science to realize a low-carbon society, and based on the results of the above survey and analysis, portray a prospective future society in cooperation with a variety of related institutions to make plans and proposals for high-quality social scenarios and strategies which show ways to realize such a society, while reflecting these plans and proposals in the R&D policies of the Agency.

[Achievements (level)]

The related monitoring indexes are in the same level with those in the previous mid-term objectives period, and the following are observed: ・Stakeholders from various areas join and make foresighted and

high-quality R&D strategies and social scenarios. ・Outcomes, knowledge and information from R&D strategies and

social scenarios are widely used by the Agency, related ministries and agencies, and outside institutions.

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The Agency will create new values in preparation for the future industrial structure and social innovation, and respond to economic and social issues by making use of its characteristics as the network institute which can adapt to the transforming society, and proactively promoting original and challenging R&D which leads to innovation.

While the industry, academia and government need to share future visions and issues to promote R&D, the conventional system of management segmented by R&D programs must be completely reorganized during the mid to long-term objectives period according to the overall strategy of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to a consistent, practical management system including every aspect of R&D operations from basic research to support for practical application and creation of intellectual property under the supervision of program managers. It must a seamless, consistent management system that can provide required support by flexibly combining the elements of support such as mediating industry-academy-government cooperation, support for startup companies, and creation of intellectual property, etc. according to various stages of R&D, while noting that innovation will be created intermittently even at the basic research stage. The link to “III., 1. Plans and proposals for R&D strategies to co-create the future” must be strengthened and used more.

Using knowledge on natural science and humanity and social science, the Agency will accelerate the creation of knowledge and conversion of it to economic and social values through R&D of society and technology co-created by stakeholders, international co-creation by international collaborative research projects and internationalization of R&D programs, support for intellectual property activities at universities and


The Agency will create new values in preparation for the future industrial structuring and social transformation, and respond to economic and social issues by making use of its characteristics as the network institute which is adaptive to the changing world, and proactively promoting original and challenging R&D which may lead to innovation.

While promoting high impact R&D towards a future society, strategic R&D, industry-academia collaborative R&D, support for establishing “places” of co-creation, support and investment for industrialization and startup companies, support for the use of intellectual properties, the Agency will completely restructure the conventional system of management segmented by R&D program during the mid to long-term objectives period. Specifically, it will encourage the industry, academia and government to share future visions, promote R&D more effectively and efficiently, and build a consistent, practical management system covering every aspect of R&D from basic research to support for practical application and creation of intellectual property. The management system must be operated by the program manager (“PM”) according to the overall strategy of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (“MEXT”). It must a seamless, consistent management system that provides required support by flexibly combining the elements of support such as mediation for the industry-academy-government cooperation, support for startup companies, and creation of intellectual property, etc. according to various stages of R&D. It should be, however, noted that innovation will be created intermittently even at the basic research stage. In addition, the link to the R&D strategy planning function described in

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technology licensing organizations, etc., and strengthening of information platforms.

In addition, the Agency will actively promote open science (Note) with national interests in mind to increase open innovation, and strengthen strategic information dissemination. It will also employ a strategic management for intellectual property owned by the Agency to make good use of research outcomes, as well as promoting R&D programs in which young researchers participate, fostering a variety of research personnel using the “places for industry-academy-government co-creation,” and reflecting social expectations and issues identified in communication and cooperation.

(Note) A concept including open access and open data (opening of research data)

“1. Plans and proposals for R&D strategies to co-create the future” must be strengthened and used effectively.

Using knowledge on natural science and humanity and social science, the Agency will accelerate the creation of knowledge and conversion of it to economic and social values through R&D of society and technology co-created by stakeholders, international co-creation in international collaborative research projects and internationalization of R&D programs, support for intellectual property activities at universities and technology licensing organizations, etc., and strengthening of information platforms.

In addition, the Agency will actively promote open science (Note) with national interests in mind to increase open innovation, and improve strategic distribution of information. It will also employ a strategic management of intellectual properties owned by the Agency to make best use of research outcomes, as well as promoting R&D programs in which young researchers might participate, fostering a variety of research personnel using the “places for industry-academy-government co-creation,” and reflecting social expectations and issues identified in communication and cooperation. (Note) A concept including open access and open data (opening of research data)

2.1 Promoting R&D for future industrial development and social transformation

The Agency will proactively conduct original and challenging R&D that leads to innovation in response to changing society, using its characteristics as the network institute, to create new values and resolve economic and social issues in preparation for the future industrial structures and social transformation. It will completely reorganize the conventional system of management segmented by R&D programs during the mid to long-term objectives period according to the overall strategy of the MEXT to build a consistent, practical management system including every aspect of R&D operations from basic research to

2.1. Promoting R&D for developing future industry creation and social transformation

The Agency will proactively conduct original and challenging R&D which may lead to innovation in response to changing society, using its characteristics as the network institute, to create new values and resolve economic and social issues in preparation for future industrial structuring and social transformation, It will completely restructure the existing system of management segmented by R&D program, including the systems defined in 2.2, during this mid to long-term objectives period according to the overall strategy of the MEXT to a consistent, practical system that deals with every aspect of R&D from

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support for practical application and creation of intellectual property under the supervision of program managers, while encouraging the industry, academia and government to share future visions and issues to promote R&D. Because increases in challenging R&D projects that may exert a large economic and social impact are required in the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan, the Agency dares to deal with challenging issues with a low success rate but a large impact if successful. It also promotes social and technological R&D participated by stakeholders in various fields of humanity and social science and natural science to solve social problems and address ethical, legal and social issues accompanying the adaptation of new science and technology to the society.

basic research to the support of practical application and creation of intellectual properties under the supervision of PM, while promoting high impact R&D towards future society, strategic R&D, and industry-academia collaborative R&D, and encouraging the industry, academia and government to share future visions and issues. Because increases in challenging R&D projects that may exert a large economic and social impact are required in the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan, the Agency dares to deal with challenging issues with a low success rate but a large impact if succeeded. It also promotes social and technological R&D participated by stakeholders in various fields of humanity and social science and natural science to solve social problems and address ethical, legal and social issues accompanying the adaptation of new science and technology to the society.

(High impact R&D towards future society)

The Agency will set technically challenging objectives with a clear, socially and economically impactful target (exit) based on social and industrial needs according to the MEXT policies in preparation for future drastic social transformation, and conduct R&D aiming at a technically mature goal that can be transferred to private enterprises and other organizations through the R&D management and knowhow of the Agency as well as utilization of promising results from other R&D projects. Objective and strict evaluation of the possibility of achieving goals will be made in the course of each R&D project to determine if the project is to be continued, expanded or discontinued.

[Approach] (Promotion of high impact R&D towards future society)

The Agency will promote R&D aiming at attaining a technically mature point where results can be transferred to companies, with a clear, socially and economically impactful target (exit) defined based on social and industrial needs. Specifically, challenging and clear targets are selected in consideration of R&D on technologies which may change the present technological system and become future key technology, technological seeds resulting from the Strategic Basic Research Programs, and social and industrial needs according to the policies of the MEXT to promote R&D based on a system as an entry of a ceaseless stream of fresh ideas. The Agency will: ・Select R&D themes, PMs and R&D challenges in the presence of

outside experts according to the policies of the MEXT. ・Establish a system to support PM activities. ・Accelerate, decelerate or terminate R&D, or change the direction,

and integrate themes in a flexible manner under the management of PM.

・Evaluate PMs and R&D challenges promoted by PMs.

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In line with the creation of new technologies that contribute to solving important issues in Japan, an inter-organizational, fixed-term, optimum R&D promotion system will be built to achieve strategic objectives according to economic and social needs, and conduct strategic R&D in an effective and efficient way.

To conduct strategic basic research, internationally high level targets are set to achieve strategic objectives, and obtain results that can be a seed for new technology potentially contributing to creating science, technology and innovation. In addition, when the results are promising, the research is accelerated and deepened through innovation-oriented management to continue R&D from basic research to the development of findings in view of creating science, technology and innovation and working toward practical use.

To reduce greenhouse gases steadily during the mid to long-term objectives period, R&D of innovative technology is conducted in close cooperation with related institutes based on scientific and technical knowledge having a large possibility of reduction and totally new from conventional line of technologies, with the intermediate evaluation to examine the possibility of achieving objectives for each project to determine if the project is to be continued, expanded or discontinued. The results may be referred to by other programs.

The Agency is responsible for the survey and analysis of social problems for selecting R&D themes, setting objectives, and obtaining solutions for various social problems using knowledge on both natural science and humanity and social science and encouraging a wide variety of stakeholders in the society to participate. The results must be returned to society as a means useful for society. R&D participated by a large

・Establish a system as an entry of a ceaseless stream of fresh ideas such as non-periodical public invitation, small start and stage gate evaluation to ensure challenging nature and originality in the competitive environment, and apply promising outcomes from other R&D programs.


To provide solutions for the critical issues faced by the country, the Agency will set research areas, etc. (“areas”) beyond the bounds of organizations on a temporary basis according to strategic targets designated by the MEXT based on social and economic needs and for solving problems in R&D and real world, and in close cooperation with related institutions, and promote R&D to produce new, original technologies which may lead to science, technology and innovation. Specifically, this includes basic research for creating new, original technology useful for achieving strategic objectives (“research for creating seeds of new technologies”), R&D on innovative technology based on scientific and technical knowledge completely new from the conventional line of technologies (“advanced low carbon technology R&D”) to reduce greenhouse gases in the mid to long-term perspective, and R&D on technology for society aiming directly at society based on knowledge of both natural science and humanity and social science in cooperation with stakeholders. In addition, in promoting the research for creating seeds of new technologies, when the results are promising, the research is accelerated and deepened through the innovation-oriented management to continue R&D from basic research to the development of outcomes in view of creating science, technology and innovation and working toward practical use. The Agency will: ・Select areas and program officers (“POs”) in the presence of

experts according to the strategic objectives of the MEXT. Actual procedures, reasons and processes of selection will be published

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variety of stakeholders from various fields of humanity and social science and natural science is required to solve ethical, legal and social issues caused by social implementation of new science and technology. (Expansion of R&D outcomes resulting from joint effort of industry and academia)

The Agency will contribute to creating science, technology and innovation by seamlessly transferring new technologies resulting from basic research by the Agency and universities to the industry.

Specifically, R&D themes set for creating new industry are selected from the results of basic research, etc. conducted by the Agency to implement seamless, consistent R&D strategically for obtaining results that may lead to the creation of science, technology and innovation, and simultaneously promoted in a competitive environment is the basic research that may contribute to solving technical issues difficult to be handled by individual company and dealt with by the entire industry and through communication between the industry and academia to solve

in detail, and strict ex-post evaluations are conducted to check if the selection is appropriate to ensure transparency.

・Select researchers and R&D themes according to the operation policies of PO. Researchers who are motivated to improve their own judging capability, and have pioneering and original research initiative potentially leading to prominent technology are sought for.

・Conduct a close investigation into R&D plans for selecting R&D themes to promote R&D effectively according to the nature and stage of R&D under the operation policy of PO as well as an agile review of R&D plans according to the progress of R&D and flexible allocation of research expenses.

・Determine whether R&D on advanced low-carbon technology is to be continued, expanded or terminated by evaluating the possibility of achieving targets (stage gate) at every stage of R&D (1 to 3 years) to provide insight of practical application in about ten ears from the start of research. The result will be reflected in other programs, while the result from related programs in the Agency will be utilized for efficient and effective promotion of R&D.

・Conduct survey and analysis of social problems, select issues and set objectives to promote R&D on technology for society.

(Expansion of R&D outcomes resulting from joint effort of industry and academia)

The Agency will promote fundamental and challenging R&D, which is difficult to be dealt with by a single company, using knowledge of universities, etc., and transfer the results seamlessly to the industry for creating science, technology and innovation. The Agency will: ・Select POs and R&D themes with the intention of practical

application in the presence of outside experts. ・Conduct an agile review of R&D plans according to the progress of

R&D and flexible allocation of research expenses for effectively

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technical issues in the industry with the resulting outcomes, and feed industrial perspectives and knowledge back to universities, etc.

Strategic support for industrialization of research results from universities, etc. across the country must be provided for creating new businesses and industries which may contribute to revitalizing local economy and community by identifying needs of local companies in cooperation with the existing industry-academia-industry-bank network and making good use of the knowledge and strong points of the Agency.

The “only and best” advanced measurement and analysis system, equipment and peripherals are developed in the competitive environment and commercialization and industrialization of the developed system and equipment are promoted to support the common science and technology platforms in Japan and produce leading edge and original research outcomes for realizing socially important science, technology and innovation.

advancing R&D according to the stage of R&D and nature of R&D themes under the operation policy of PO.

・Encourage the creation of knowledge useful for the effective progress of R& themes and solution for technical issues in the industry, and application of R&D outcomes in companies by promoting synergetic effects of sharing various types of information on the knowledge and the progress of R&D at universities during communication between the industry and academia.

・Select R&D themes using knowledge of universities, etc., and build more than one R&D team, each consisting of researchers from the industry and academia, to conduct R&D for producing technology which may be a foundation stone of a new industry.

・Make efforts to allocate professional staff, connect them to existing industry-academia-government-bank cooperation networks, strategically understand needs local companies, and associate them with the seeds produced by universities, etc. throughout the country, potentially leading to joint research and practical application efforts.

・Encourage effective development of advanced measurement and analysis technology, equipment and peripherals, and promotion of utilization, practical application and industrialization of developed equipment.

[Achievement (level)]

The related monitoring indexes undergo a transition smoothly, and the following are observed: (Promotion of high impact R&D towards future society) ・About 20 percent of challenging R&D themes selected is in the

process of R&D expected to achieve technically mature goals that can be transferred to companies and other organizations at the end of research period (8 to 10 years).

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・Achievements having a social impact such as significant R&D outcomes and practical application are produced.

・Knowledge obtained in the course of R&D is utilized, and secondary or propagation effect, if any, is evaluated.

The related monitoring indexes are in the same level with those in

the previous mid-term objectives period, and the following are observed:

(Research for creating new technological seeds) ・Diversity of themes, areas and researchers is ensured, and the

management of research areas including activities for expansion to industrial and social implementation is adequate.

・International collaborative R&D is expanded, and cooperation with overseas FA is deepened.

・The system is reformed or reviewed through the program director (“PD”) meeting with improvement requests from researchers taken into consideration for maintaining the adequate management of programs.

・Achievements having a social impact such as significant R&D outcomes (new technological seeds) and practical application are produced.

(Advanced low carbon technology R&D) ・Diversity of themes, areas and researchers is ensured, and the

management of research areas including activities for expansion to industrial and social implementation is adequate.

・International collaborative R&D is expanded, and cooperation with overseas FA is deepened.

・The system is reformed or reviewed through the PD meeting with improvement requests from researchers taken into consideration for maintaining the adequate management of programs.

・R&D outcomes potentially leading to the creation of innovative

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technology useful for mid to long-term reduction of greenhouse gases are produced.

(R&D on technology for society) ・Management is adequate for obtaining R&D outcomes contributing

to solving specific problems in the real world and ethical, legal and social issues caused by social implementation of new science and technology as well as promoting the expansion of these outcomes.

・Results contributing to solving specific problems in the real world and ethical, legal and social issues caused by social implementation of new science and technology are produced.

(Expansion of R&D outcomes resulting from joint effort of industry and academia) ・Phase-dependent good themes and R&D management for transition

to the next stage are ensured. ・ Phase-dependent appropriate R&D outcomes are produced and

transferred to the next stage. ・ Activities for expanding R&D outcomes and returning them to

society in line with the purpose of the system are observed in follow-up surveys, etc. for a certain period of time after the end of program.

2.2 Establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital

It is important to provide “places” for accumulating personnel, knowledge and capital from the industry, academia and government and encouraging co-creation to “mediate” R&D outcomes from universities and public institutes to the industry and society, and construct an environment for continuously producing innovation. Using its characteristics as the network institute, the Agency will, therefore,

2.2 Establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital

It is important to provide “places” for accumulating personnel, knowledge and capital from the industry, academia and government and encouraging co-creation to “mediate” R&D outcomes from universities and public institutes to the industry and society, and construct an environment for continuously producing innovation. Using its characteristics as the network institute, the Agency will,

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provide places mainly for use by universities and public research institutes in support of improving their management power for industry-academia-government cooperation by focusing its efforts on system innovation to achieve full-scale industry-academia-government cooperation on the organization versus organization basis, and at the same time, accumulate private funds by supporting and investing in industrialization and startup companies as well as supporting the use of intellectual property. Through these activities, the Agency will contribute to establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital for creating innovation and new values in preparation for future industrial structuring and social transformation as well as solving economic and social issues.

therefore, provide places mainly for use by universities and public research institutes in support of improving their management power for industry-academia-government cooperation by focusing its efforts on system innovation to achieve full-scale industry-academia-government cooperation on the organization versus organization basis, and at the same time, accumulate private funds by supporting and investing in industrialization and startup companies as well as supporting for creating intellectual property. Through these activities, the Agency will contribute to establishing a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital for creating innovation and be prepared for the creation of new values and solutions for social issues towards future industrial structuring and social transformation while taking regional advantages into account.

(Support of establishing “places” of co-creation)

The Agency will provide “places” of co-creation and encourage various entities from the industry, academia and government to join, set common objectives and manage them comprehensively beyond organizations and academic disciplines to build a system promoting full-scale open innovation. Noting that a variety of supportive actions may be considered including cooperation between universities, public institutes and companies, accumulation of personnel, knowledge and capital, construction of automated and sustainable research environment and system, and development of human resources, the Agency supports system innovation for strengthening full-scale industry-academia-government cooperation, including innovation of management of universities and public institutes.

[Approach] (Support of establishing “places” of co-creation)

The Agency will establish a systemic virtuous cycle of personnel, knowledge and capital of the industry, academia and government to contribute to creating science, technology and innovation by providing “places” for accumulating personnel, knowledge and capital from the industry, academia and government and encouraging co-creation. Specifically, the Agency will: ・ Support comprehensive operation of industry-academia

collaborative research and development of human resources both of which help social implementation of results under the operation policy of PD for providing and utilizing “places” of co-creation mainly used by universities and public institutes, etc.

・Select POs and R&D themes suitable for social implementation in the presence of outside experts.

・Conduct an agile review of R&D plans according to the progress of R&D and flexible allocation of research expenses under the operation policy of PO to promote effective R&D and social

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(Industrialization, startup companies and investment) The agency will develop an environment which increases the

concern of companies, a main power of producing innovation, and provokes a chain of various challenges, and accumulate private funds by supporting startup companies which are able to take on quick and risky challenges in an agile decision making process.

Specifically, R&D in a competitive environment and the industrialization of results are promoted in the most suitable way according to the R&D themes, characteristics and stages to mediate R&D outcomes from the Agency and universities, etc. to companies. A suitable implementation system is needed to seamlessly connect R&D outcomes from the Agency and universities, etc. to practical application, and accelerate industrialization of significant R&D outcomes from universities, etc. by companies with the uncertainty about the industrialization of significantly difficult new technologies in mind. Share of companies will be increased, such as matching

implementation of outcomes according to R&D themes, stages and nature.

・ Utilize private resources more actively by encouraging companies to increase their investment according to R&D stages including basic research through the matching fund system, etc.

・Attract a variety of entities including universities, public institutes and companies to establish an optimum industry-academia cooperation system which covers every aspect of R&D from basic research stage to social implementation according to the common objectives set by the industry and academia to promote industry-academia cooperation depending on R&D stages.

・Make an attempt to match various external funds in addition to private funds to provide “places” for accumulating personnel, knowledge and capital from universities and public institutes in Japan and overseas.

・Increase industry-academia partnership for developing STI human resources.

(Industrialization, startup companies and investment)

The Agency will create an environment which may raise the motivation of companies, a main power of producing innovation, cause various challenges to happen in succession, and accumulate private funds by supporting startup companies which are ready for taking risky challenges promptly with a flexible and quick decision making. Specifically, the Agency will: ・Operate R&D resources with regional advantages, including

practical application of technological seeds potentially leading to new industries in universities, and R&D useful for founding startup companies by utilizing experts who have know-how about industrialization under the operation policy of PD.

・ Select POs and R&D themes in the presence of outside experts with intention of practical application and industrialization.

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fund, according to the R&D stage for more active use of private resources in cooperation of financial institutes.

In supporting startup companies, private human resources having know-how of creating new businesses must be relied on to industrialize technologies from universities, etc. which have a large possibility of expansion in the market but are too risky for companies to conduct R&D for promoting R&D contributing to founding innovative startup companies. The Agency will support to invest in a startup company founded for practical application of R&D outcomes of the Agency through its business activities, and increase its capital, or provide personnel or technology while correctly evaluating risks accompanying the investment. Best effort must be paid to understand the current financial condition of companies in which the Agency has invested, and maximize the efficiency of investment while taking the exit strategy into account.

Collaboration with related agencies for information exchange and other tasks is essential to put R&D outcomes into practical use and create innovation.

・Conduct an agile review of R&D plans according to the progress of R&D and flexible allocation of research expenses under the operation policy of PO to promote effective R&D according to R&D themes, stages and nature.

・Conduct mid to long-term R&D by combining optimum types of support according to R&D stages and objectives ranging from search for promising technological seeds to industrialization.

・Make use of private resources more actively by encouraging companies to increase their investment according to R&D stages including basic research through the matching fund system, etc.

・Use professional personnel having know-how on industrialization as program promoters for effective selection of technological seeds of universities, etc. potentially penetrating in the mass market and promotion of R&D and industrialization activities to found startup companies.

・ Evaluate the business plan in detail and precisely when investigating in a startup company which has charge of commercializing R&D outcomes of the Agency. The Agency will support the company for practical application of risky but highly potential R&D outcomes through its business activities by grasping the progress of operation and supplying suitable personnel and technology. It is required for conducting this kind of operation to adequately understand the financial condition of the invested company and provide an exit strategy. IN doing so, the Agency will accept advices from the committees consisting of outside experts, etc. for maintaining proper operation. In addition, it will strengthen cooperation with related agencies

for information exchange to promote the practical application of R&D outcomes and create innovation.

Noting that government funds additionally provided under

supplemental budgets in FY 2012 (No. 1) is intended for “encouraging

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(Support for use of intellectual property)

The Agency supports universities, national R&D agencies and technology licensing organizations for their activities on intellectual property and accelerates transfer of R&D outcomes from universities, etc. in cooperation with banks and other related organizations to strengthen international competitiveness of Japan and revitalize economy and society.

Specifically, support for activities on intellectual property at universities and technology licensing organizations, etc. should include the evaluation of invention to obtain patents for R&D outcomes from universities, etc. to strengthen the intellectual property platforms in Japan. Based on the “Guideline for Enhancing Industry-Academia-Government Joint Research Programs,” supporting universities involves not only the acquisition of intellectual property, but also the enhancement of their management ability to transfer intellectual properties and technologies, including the introduction of marketing models into universities across the country, and use of flexible management systems according to the area of R&D themes and form of collaboration as well as the acquisition of patent for significant research results in collaboration with the Agency’s relevant R&D program and after the termination

private investment to accelerate growth” in the “Emergency Economic Measures for The Revitalization of the Japanese Economy” (decided by the Cabinet on January 11, 2013), the Agency will support companies to accelerate the industrialization of good R&D outcomes from universities, etc. Also noting that the government funds additionally provided under supplemental budgets in FY 2016 (No. 2) is intended for “accelerating efforts to improve productivity” in the “economic policies to realize investment to the future” (decided by the Cabinet on August 2, 2016), the Agency will support mainly startup companies for accelerating the industrialization of good R&D outcomes of universities, etc., but if preferentially-supported technology fields are specified by the MEXT, will focus its support on these fields by making a business operation plan to set purposes of operation, selection policy and decision method, etc. in advance for staging the plan under proper operation conditions. (Support for use of intellectual property)

The Agency will support universities, national R&D agencies and technology transfer organizations, etc. to acquire patents for their R&D outcomes, and provide “places” for matching the industry and academy to accelerate practical application of new technologies produced in R&D. In particular, support for patenting will not be limited to the acquisition of intellectual properties, but extended to the enhancement of their management ability to transfer intellectual properties and technologies.

The Agency will strategically use its intellectual properties based on market trends and its ability to negotiate licensing, for example, by accumulating patents owned by universities, etc. to form a stronger group of patents, as required. Specifically the Agency will promote: ・Support of intellectual property management activities on R&D

outcomes of universities, etc. for foreign patent application which may results in technology transfer, and introduction of marketing

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of the program. Collaborating with banks and financial institutes, a formation of patent groups is also supported with corporate needs and market trends for critical themes in Japan taken into account to increase strategic values.

The transfer of R&D outcomes from universities, etc. will be promoted by improving cooperation between companies and universities, etc. while cooperation of the Agency with universities and technology licensing organizations is maintained, strategically collecting, sharing, analyzing and supplying patent information, supporting for increasing patent values, and providing mediation and licensing of R&D outcomes to companies.

In addition, necessary measures, including flexible adaptation to status changes in diversifying intellectual properties and development of new intellectual property management approaches, are taken.

models to improve their ability to manage intellectual properties and technology transfer.

・Cooperation with external organizations such as financial institutes, for technology transfer of R&D outcomes from universities, etc. to companies, and collection, sharing, analysis, distribution and accumulation of patent information to increase patent values as well as mediation and licensing of R&D outcomes to companies.

・ Activities for implementing flexible management systems according to the area of R&D themes and form of collaboration, and activities for acquiring patents for significant research achievements, including those from the terminated programs, in collaboration with the Agency’s relevant R&D programs, as well as activities for developing new intellectual property management techniques for flexible adaptation to status changes in diversifying intellectual properties.

・Provision of “places” for matching the industry and academia to connect R&D outcomes from Agency ’ s programs and universities, etc. to the industry promptly and effectively, and hold seminars to promote technology transfer.


The related monitoring indexes are in the same level with those in the previous mid-term objectives period, and the following are observed: ・R&D management is properly implemented for providing “places”

for industry-academia co-creation. ・Phase-dependent good themes are secured and management for

transition to the next stage is operated appropriately. ・Management of investment decision process and personnel and

technological support for invested companies is properly implemented.

・Intellectual property management of universities, etc. is improved

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and protection and use of R&D outcomes from universities, etc. are properly managed.

・ Activities leading to the improvement of full-scale industry-academia- government cooperation, such as the accumulation of personnel and capital, are conducted at places for industry-academia co-creation.

・Phase-dependent good R&D outcomes are produced and expanded to the next stage.

・Personnel and technological support (hands-on support) has been provided for R&D and investment that potentially lead to found a startup company for practical application of Agency’s R&D outcomes and contributed to its growth.

・The intellectual property management at universities, etc. has been improved and efforts to protect and use of R&D outcomes at universities, etc. have steadily been conducted.

2.3 Promoting international collaborative R&D, international

exchange and science and technology diplomacy leading to collaboration of personnel and organizations beyond boundaries

Collaborative R&D and exchange with other nations must be increased according to the MEXT policies and creation of science, technology and innovation in Japan promoted by dealing with issues common to the world such as solving global issues and setting sustainable development goals (SDGs). At the same time, the science and technology diplomacy must be promoted.

International collaborative R&D connected with the official development assistance (ODA) is conducted in a competitive environment in the fields set by the MEXT as strategically important fields to solve global issues and obtain results that may contribute to resolving global issues and creating science, technology and innovation in Japan as well as emerging and developing countries. Efforts are made to realize social implementation to strengthen the

2.3. Promoting international collaborative R&D, international exchange and science and technology diplomacy leading to collaboration of personnel and organizations beyond boundaries

The Agency will establish strategic partnerships with other countries according to the policies of the MEXT, and conduct collaborative research, etc. aiming at dealing with universal issues such as solutions of global issues and sustainable development goals (SDGs) under international framework.

The Agency will conduct collaborative research with emerging and developing countries in Asia and Africa in cooperation with the official development assistance (ODA) for implementing inclusive innovation in science and technology. It will conduct site based collaborative research with developed countries in Europe and America and East Asian countries based on intergovernmental agreement to accelerate R&D for implementing innovation focusing on the solution of issues.

The Agency will provide a suitable living environment including

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relationship with emerging and developing countries, and practice inclusive innovation in science and technology.

The results that may contribute to solving global issues and creating science, technology and innovation in Japan must be obtained through international collaborative R&D projects in a competitive environment in collaboration with overseas cooperative counterparts in strategically important countries, regions and research fields selected by the MEXT based on bilateral agreements.

Providing a suitable living environment including accommodation will contribute to accepting foreign researchers in Japan by ensuring that they can safely devote themselves to study in Japan and the number of them increases.

Additionally, youth exchange with Asian nations in the fields of science and technology is promoted to obtain capable science, technology and innovation human resources from overseas in future.

accommodation for accepting foreign researchers by ensuring that they can comfortably devote themselves to study in Japan and the number of them increases.

Additionally, it will also promote youth exchange programs with Asian nations in the fields of science and technology to obtain capable STI personnel from overseas in future. [Approach] ・Select POs to control and operate research fields or research areas

designated by the Agency concerning the science and technology research partnership for sustainable development and strategic international collaborative research, and select R&D researchers to participate from the official development assistance agencies in Japan and overseas research fund allocation bodies in addition to R&D themes.

・Conduct an agile review of R&D plans for collaborative research according to the progress of R&D and flexible allocation of research expenses for effective use of research funds to promote research according to the nature of R&D themes and progress of R&D under the operation policy of PO.

・Using overseas offices as headquarters, collect and distribute information on science and technology research partnership for sustainable development and strategic international collaborative research, etc. and cooperate with overseas related organizations to hold symposiums and workshops and adjust R&D themes section, etc.

・Provide a suitable living environment to ensure foreign researchers can devote themselves to study in Japan by operating the accommodation for foreigners.

・Entrust the management of the accommodation for foreigners to a contractor based on the contract and check whether management is proper and the contractor provides necessary livelihood support

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services, and improve as required. ・Invite young and brilliant people from Asian countries for short

stay in Japan to conduct science exchange, and provide them opportunities to experience leading-edge research at universities and research institutes, talk with first-class researchers and exchange opinions with Japanese of the same generation, etc. For this purpose, the Agency will cooperate with science, technology and education ministries and agencies and public institutions in various countries to establish a scheme to select the excellent youth from prominent universities and high schools in Asia, and take measures to accept them in cooperation with universities and research institutes in Japan.

[Achievement (level)] (International S&T cooperation for global issues and strategic international collaborative research)

The related monitoring indexes are in the same level with those in the previous mid-term objectives period, and the following are observed: ・Adequate efforts are made to establish relationships with other

countries which may lead to collaborative research management and innovation under international frame for contributing to solving universal issues and improving science and technology levels of Japan and partners.

・Research outcomes are useful for solving universal issues and improving science and technology levels of Japan and partners as well as strengthening science and technology diplomacy.

・The proportion of themes that produced sufficient outcomes for achieving objectives and those moved to the next phase for social implementation is in the same level as the achievement ratio in the previous mid-term plan.

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(Accommodation for foreigners) ・The accommodation is managed well and necessary livelihood

support services are effectively supplied according to results of a questionnaire survey to tenants.

・More than 600 foreign researchers are accepted every year by assuming the length of stay is around three months on an average.

(Promotion of international youth exchange) ・The scheme to select the youth to invite to Japan must be designed

to effectively function for selecting especially good young people in Asian countries in cooperation with the science, technology and educated related ministries and agencies in the relevant countries.

・The exchange program must be designed so that the invited youth continues to have a high interest in science and technology in Japan after they return to their countries.

・The ratio of the number of youth who participate in this program and revisit Japan to the total number of young people invited to Japan every fiscal year up to the fiscal year of evaluation must be over 1 percent.

・More than 40 percent of institutions which accept the youth from abroad reply that the program is a springboard for revisit or new invitation.

・More than 80 percent of the youth participating in this program reply positively about the impression of science and technology in Japan in a questionnaire survey.

・Particularly, more than 80 percent of the youth invited by the Agency to participate in this program reply positively in a questionnaire survey for study or work in Japan in future or research in Japan.

2.4 Improving information platforms

The Agency will enhance information platforms which provide 2.4. Improving information platforms

The Agency will enhance information platforms which provide

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essential capabilities and roles for creating science, technology and innovation.

essential functions and roles for creating science, technology and innovation

(Distribution, collaboration and utilization of science and technology

information) The science and technology information platforms that support

R&D activities in Japan should be such that it must be an environment allowing the use of science and technology information and R&D outcomes (papers, research data) required by users in an efficient way, and distributing R&D outcomes from academic societies in Japan and overseas to create science, technology and innovation, while taking into account the international trend of open science. This environment must be effective for use of science and technology information for decision making in and outside the Agency for policy planning and management strategy formation as well as the construction of human networks with researchers and engineers on inter-organization and interdisciplinary basis.

For carrying these efforts forward efficiently and effectively, collaboration between industrial, academic and governmental organizations which have science and technology information must be advanced, and user needs be always understood for increasing system convenience from users’ standpoint.

Research papers on science and technology in various academic disciplines and other reference information must be provided in a form of abstract, etc. to improve science and technology information platforms. Continuous use of information services by private service providers may increase the level of information utilization with their unique ideas and devices although complete reexamination of servic2.2es is required with trends of open science, etc. in mind.

Disposal and transfer to the National Diet Library, etc. of

[Approach] (Promotion of distribution/collaboration/utilization of scientific and technical information)

The Agency will promote the distribution of science and technology information by establishing an environment that allows the use of science and technology information and R&D outcomes (papers, research data) required by users in an efficient way, and distribute R&D outcomes from academic societies in Japan and overseas, as science and technology information platforms which support R&D activities in Japan, while taking into account the international trends of open science to create science, technology and innovation.

For the distribution of science and technology information, the Agency will build a system allowing search, download and analysis of science and technology information in and outside the Agency in a comprehensive manner to provide information for decision making in the policy planning and management strategy formulation in and outside the Agency. It will provide an environment to make wide use of information on researchers and engineers for building a human network beyond the bounds of organizations and fields.

Industry-academia-government cooperation must be strengthened for effective and efficient progress of these efforts, and the system must be improved according to user needs and visions. The Agency will: ・Gather, sort and distribute basic information on R&D activities in

Japan including researchers, R&D themes, outcomes (literature, patents, research data) and science and technology terminology, etc. to promote the distribution of science and technology information.

・Provide a common platform for publishing electronic journals from academic societies in Japan to improve their distribution capability and distribute a wide range of research achievements in

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materials retained at the Tsukuba Information Center, Scientific and Technological Information Services by JST are promoted, and when the work is completed, discontinuation of the information center will be discussed.

(Integration of life science databases) When the achievements of life science research in Japan are

widely shared and utilized in research communities, the entire life science research, which can be applied to basic research and industrial application, will be activated. Therefore, life science

Japan and overseas, including the distribution of overall research achievements through links to academic information such as literature and research data in cooperation with related institutes in Japan.

・Promote networking of digital information resources relating to science and technology information, standardization of data, improvement of information relating function and automation of knowledge extraction in cooperation with other institutes, and build and operate a system allowing the retrieval, extraction and analysis of information by integrating science and technology information in and outside the Agency.

・Collect information on researchers and engineers as well as their R&D themes and achievements in cooperation with other institutes to provide a platform for communication of researchers and engineers beyond the bounds of organizations and fields allowing mutual understanding of their R&D trends and opinion.

・Provide research papers on science and technology in various academic disciplines and other reference information in a form of abstract, etc. to improve science and technology information platforms, and continue to use information services by private service providers to increase the level of information utilization with their unique ideas and devices while completely reexamining services with trends of open science, etc. in mind.

・Accelerate the disposal and transfer to the National Diet Library, etc. of materials retained at the Tsukuba Information Center, Scientific and Technological Information Services by JST, and when the work is completed, discuss discontinuation of the information center.

(Integration of life science databases)

The Agency will promote open science and conduct R&D required for the integration of life science databases created by various research

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databases, created by various research institutes, must be integrated under the MEXT policies, for which planning strategies reflecting the trend of open science, expansion and operation of the portal site, and results that may contribute to integrating life science databases are need to be considered.

institutes under the policies of the MEXT to vitalize the overall life science R&D including ones leading to basic research and industrial application so that achievements in life science research by various institutes can be shared and more widely utilized in the researcher community. The Agency will: ・Survey and analyze methods and procedures of integrating life

science databases and required element technologies to design and make plans for strategies to integrate databases (“integration strategy”).

・Conduct R&D of infrastructure technology required for integrating databases including database integration retrieval technology, large-scale data utilization technology as well as database analysis integration utilization environment, and promote database integration by category.

・Expand and maintain a portal site as an interface for database integration, integrated system operation and publication while using the infrastructure technology obtained from R&D according to the integration strategy.

・Work for sharing data as a preliminary step toward publication, in addition to efforts for publication of data.

[Achievement (level)] (Promotion of distribution/collaboration/utilization of scientific and technical information) ・Improve cooperation with other institutions and services to promote

data distribution. ・ Set a target number of times of using database (number of

displays of detailed information on researchers and R&D outcomes, etc.) to a total of over 420 million <P> during the mid to long-term objectives period.

・ Set a target number of times of downloading papers registered in the common platform for publishing electronic journals to a total

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of over 350 million during the mid to long-term objectives period. ・Conduct a survey for the users of services provided by this program

to get positive replies that the services are useful from more than 80 percent of respondents.

・Make a new management improvement plan and steadily carry it out to enhance the science and technology information platforms by improving papers and other literature information on science and technology in various academic disciplines in a form of abstract, etc.

(Promotion of integrating life science databases)

The related monitoring indexes are in the same level with those in the previous mid-term objectives period, and the following are observed:

・R&D which serves as the foundation for the integration of life science databases, integration of databases by field and enhancement of integrated system are conducted in line with open science.

・Cooperation with ministries, agencies and institutions relating to life science databases is made.

・Achievements in the progress of cooperation, data disclosure, data sharing and use of databases are useful for integrating life science databases and vitalization of life science R&D.

2.5 Promoting innovative new technology R&D Innovative new technologies are basis for the progress of economy

and society in Japan. To create these technologies in an intensive manner, the Agency will institute a fund based on the government-subsidized allowances to conduct R&D for creating innovative new technologies under the policies determined by the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, aiming at creating science, technology and innovation which will, if realized, revolutionize

2.5. Promoting innovative new technology R&D Innovative new technologies are basis for the progress of economy

and society in Japan. To focus on the promotion of innovative new technology which is the basis for the development of economy and society of Japan, the Agency will create a fund based on the government-subsidized allowances to conduct R&D for creating innovative new technology under the policies determined by the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, aiming at creating

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the industry and society. science, technology and innovation which will, if realized, revolutionize the industry and society. [Approach] ・ Employ PMs and establish a system of supporting their activities

according to the decision about the employment of PMs at the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI).

・ Conduct R&D managed by PMs according to the policies of the CSTI, and:

(a) Determine the R&D institutes. (b) Allocate required R&D expenditures. (c) Make a contract with the relevant R&D agency. (d) Accelerate, decelerate or terminate R&D or change the

direction of R&D, as required, in a flexible manner. (e) Report the innovative new technology R&D program.

[Achievement (level)] ・R&D for creating innovative new technologies aiming at creating

science, technology and innovation which will revolutionize the industry and society, if realized.

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While science and technology are more closely related to society, social understanding, reliance and support for science, technology and innovation are fundamental premises when considering science, technology and innovation to fulfill the social expectation. Therefore, conventional opposing relationships between science, technology and innovation and society must be deepened to relationships for promoting “co-creation,” that is, communication and cooperation by a variety of stakeholders in Japan and overseas, including researchers, citizens, mass media, industrial sectors and policy makers. While the competition of obtaining highly qualified human resources is escalating throughout the world, youthful populations are declining in Japan, making increases in the quality of science, technology and innovation human resources and demonstration of their ability more important.

The Agency will promote bidirectional communication and cooperation by a variety of stakeholders in Japan and overseas aiming at future co-creation, and use the results of communication and cooperation in planning R&D strategies, making proposals and promoting R&D. It will also develop a variety of human resources expected to boldly challenge the development of next-generation personnel and creation of science, technology and innovation, all of which must contribute to creating sustainable science, technology and innovation.


While science and technology are more closely related to society, social understanding, reliance and support for science, technology and innovation are fundamental premises when considering science, technology and innovation to fulfill the social expectation. Therefore, conventional opposing relationships between science, technology and innovation and society must be deepened to relationships for promoting “co-creation,” that is, communication and cooperation of a variety of stakeholders in Japan and overseas, including researchers, citizens, mass media, industrial sectors and policy makers. While the competition of obtaining highly qualified human resources is escalating throughout the world, youthful populations are declining in Japan, making increases in the quality of science, technology and innovation human resources and demonstration of their ability more important.

The Agency will promote bidirectional communication and cooperation between a variety of stakeholders in Japan and overseas aiming at future co-creation through activities of science communicators, and use the results of communication and cooperation in planning R&D strategies, making proposals and promoting R&D. It will also develop a variety of human resources expected to boldly challenge the development of next-generation personnel and creation of science, technology and innovation, all of which must contribute to creating sustainable science, technology and innovation.

3.1 Deepening communication and cooperation with society for future co-creation

Science, technology and innovation allow us to take a step forward to the creation of future industry and social transformation, but we also need to deal with associated social problems to build a sustainable future society. Therefore, it is important to deepen

3.1 Deepening communication and cooperation with society for future co-creation

Science, technology and innovation allow us to take a step forward to the creation of future industry and social transformation, but we also need to deal with associated social problems to build a sustainable future society. Therefore, the Agency will deepen relationships

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks relationships between STI and society through bidirectional communication and cooperation by a variety of stakeholders to deal with such problems in STI and society for promoting “co-creation” to connect them with policy making, knowledge buildup and social implementation.

The Agency will, therefore, promote science and technology communication including risk communication for providing places for bidirectional communication and cooperation with a variety of stakeholders and improving science and technology literacy of citizens as well as social literacy of researchers.

Social expectancies and issues obtained from communication and cooperation must be reflected in plans and proposals for R&D strategies and R&D projects to deepen relationships between science, technology and innovation and society.

between STI and society through bidirectional communication and cooperation by a variety of stakeholders to deal with problems in STI and society for promoting “co-creation” to connect them with policy making, knowledge buildup and social implementation. [Approach] ・Promote science and technology communication including risk

communication, and provide places of co-creation to connect communication and cooperation of universities, public research institutes and a variety of stakeholders in Japan and overseas to connect results with policy formulation, knowledge buildup and social implementation.

・ Provide not only a place of co-creation but also science communication useful for promoting R&D for realizing a future sustainable society in the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and promote cooperation with a variety of stakeholders in Japan and overseas for discussing the science and technology in society.

・Encourage a variety of stakeholders in general or researchers in particular to voluntarily participate in Science Agora through which networks of related institutions may be enhanced and a platform for communication between science and technology and society can be built, with the objective of science and technology in society and for society.

・Provide places for co-creation using various communication techniques which are increasingly diversified with the progress of technology, and encourage the public to participate in these places through activities to improve the science and technology literacy of the public and social literacy of researchers.

・Deepen relationships of science and technology with society through the above-mentioned activities to grasp expectations of the public to science and technology and incorporate the voice of

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks the people into plans and proposals for R&D strategies and scenarios as well as reflecting them in R&D.


The related monitoring indexes undergo a transition smoothly, and the following are observed:

・Human resources for science communication to connect science and technology with society (science communicator) are continuously developed, and communication and cooperation with a variety of stakeholders in Japan and overseas are promoted.

・Places for communication and cooperation between researchers and citizens are created and provided.

・Museums such as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) are used for various science and technology communications to collect expectations and anxieties of the public to science and technology and reflect them in R&D strategies, policy proposals and knowledge buildup.

・ Increase the social consciousness of researchers through communication and cooperation with a variety of stakeholders, and more than 70 percent of researchers surveyed indicate continuous efforts to assimilate into society in follow-up surveys.

・Encourage researchers to promote demonstration experiments participated by non-specialists and collaborative research with a variety of stakeholders using the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), etc., and make efforts for social implementation of science communication activities.

3.2 Focusing on the education of next-generation innovation personnel for creating the future

To foster human resources who are bearers of next-generation science and technology, higher education must be provided for the children having excellent qualities and abilities in science and

3.2 Focusing on the education of next-generation innovation personnel for creating the future

Continuous and systematic development of human resources who are the bearer of next-generation science and technology is required to pursue the science, technology and innovation policies. To achieve this,

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks mathematics to increase their interest, concern and desire to learn more on science, technology and mathematics as well as their understanding of what they learnt. Human resources with broader prospect must be developed in light of the current tendencies of deepening relationships between science, technology and innovation and society. The effects and issues derived from the programs are discussed to understand and improve the effects of the overall programs and promote learning effectively and efficiently by correlating these programs. In addition, cases and results accumulated through various supportive activities are distributed.

Specifically, support is given to high schools which offer advanced science and math education for improvements in their curricula including problem solution, learning by participation, and other approaches. Universities and research institutes are also supported for their efforts to offer high-level and developmental learning environment for children having excellent qualities and abilities in science and mathematics, and improve the teaching ability of teachers who give advanced science and math education to these children.

Additional support is provided for offering places such as science, technology and math competitions to the children who participate in these programs to demonstrate their achievements.

Efforts to cultivate internationalism are also discussed and realized by promoting youth exchange with overseas young people in science and technology fields as part of fostering next-generation science and technology human resources.

the Agency will search for the youth having significant personal qualities, cultivate their talent and raise their concern, willingness to learn and capability toward science and mathematics.

These efforts include the development of human resources with a broad vision while deepening relationships of science, technology and innovation with society.

[Approach] ・Support the super science high schools, designated by the MEXT,

for smooth and prompt implementation of advanced science, technology and mathematics education based on the policies of the MEXT in cooperation with the board of education, etc. in relevant regions.

・Provide places for education of the science-oriented youth across the country and their activities including domestic contests such as the Japan High School Science Championships and local competitions for the International Science Olympiads.

・Provide support focusing on the development of human resources by universities and research institutes including their efforts of fostering high school students to international science and technology human resources with the implementing institute designated, development of problem-solving type human resource through joint efforts by junior high and high schools and universities, and efforts to improve instruction ability of teachers.

・Provide further insights into understanding and improvement of effects and issues derived from programs for promoting efforts to produce human resources potentially active in the fields of science and technology, and establish a system allowing follow-up surveys of the youth participated in these projects in cooperation with the related persons and institutions, while arranging programs to correlate each other for effective and efficient operation.

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks [Achievement (level)] The related monitoring indexes are in the same level with those in

the previous mid-term objectives period, and the following are observed: ・Work restructuring and reexamination, support for implementing

facilities, and efforts for developing next-generation science and technology human resources, including dissemination of science and mathematics education, are adequate.

・Next-generation science and technology human resources are continuously and systematically developed, as seen in the cases of great success of personnel developed through programs and efforts disseminated and deployed to develop next-generation science and technology human resources.

3.3 Fostering human resources contributing to creating

innovation The Agency will make the following efforts for continuously

fostering a variety of competent human resources and building a society in which talented personnel can be active in various fields of science, technology and innovation in Japan:

3.3 Fostering human resources contributing to creating innovation The Agency will make the following efforts for continuously

fostering diversified and competent human resources and building a society in which talented personnel can be active in various fields of science, technology and innovation in Japan as intellectual professions:

(Support for science, technology and innovation human resources)

Information useful for carrier and ability development is provided to support high-level human resources including doctoral students, doctoral research fellows, researchers and engineers who are expected to be active in various fields of science and technology for creating science, technology and innovation.

[Approach] (Support of science, technology and innovation human resources)

The Agency will provide information useful for carrier and capability development of high-level human resources including doctoral students, doctoral research fellows, researchers and engineers (collectively “high-level human resources”) to promote their activities in various places and flow of personnel in universities and companies in the industry-academia-government cooperation. The Agency will also:

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks (Development of program managers)

Further improvements are made for effective operation of practical education programs to develop program managers who are responsible for planning, implementing and managing innovation-oriented research programs as well as proactively dealing with challenging themes. While the carrier path of program managers is promoted, a system to evaluate program managers for their management of programs including risk assessment and challenge in the practice of R&D programs will be established.

(Promoting fair research activities) Although a great many research results are produced through

competitive funds and research expenditures, countermeasures against misconduct in research activities are required. To promote fair research activities, the agency will disseminate, establish and

・Gather or create information useful for carrier development including job opportunities information for researchers and self-education materials in the fields of science and technology, and operate a portal site to offer information, while improving convenience and providing data useful for policy planning by consistently grasping service status and efficiency.

(Development of program managers)

The Agency will further improve efficiency in the operation of practical education programs to develop program managers who are responsible for planning, implementing and managing innovation-oriented research programs as well as proactively dealing with challenging themes. While promoting the carrier path of program managers, the Agency will establish a system to evaluate program managers for their management of programs including risk assessment and challenge in the practice of R&D programs. The Agency will also: ・ Provide practical education programs to improve capability

required for PMs to allow all PMs in principle to learn knowledge and skills which may be needed for their activities, and actually experience their jobs ranging from planning, running and managing programs, as well as the management using other programs in and outside the Agency aside from those designed and planned by themselves.

・Make use of PMs in the programs conducted by the Agency and in the industry, academia and government so that they can develop their carrier path after finishing the education course, and establish a system for properly evaluating the management by PMs as part of the Agency’s R&D programs.

(Promotion of fair research activities)

As a great many research results are produced with competitive

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks improve support and other research ethics education to ensure that the research institutes provide research ethics education, and researchers applied to the Agency’s programs receive research ethics education in cooperation with the MEXT and other public research fund allocating organizations.

funds and research expenditures, countermeasures against misconduct in research activities are required. To promote fair research activities, the agency will disseminate, establish and improve support and other research ethics education to ensure that the research institutes provide research ethics education, and researchers applied to the Agency’s programs receive research ethics education in cooperation with the MEXT and other public research fund allocating organizations. The Agency will: ・ Provide workshops and symposiums about research ethics

education to prevent misconduct and encourage responsible research activities in cooperation with the MEXT and other public fund allocating organizations.

・Operate a portal site for fair research accessed by researchers for information and tools useful for fair research activities.

・Set a precondition that the applicant to the Agency’s program continues to receive research ethics education.

[Achievement (level)] ・Effective measures to foster human resources and make them great

success are taken and improved as required. ・Effective cooperation with other institutions is carried out for

improving and reinforcing the program. ・Motivation of organizations participating in the research ethics

education is examined in questionnaire surveys and improvement is done as required.

・More than 80 percent of users of systems and services (support of personnel and development of PMs relating to science, technology and innovation) are positive for their usefulness and satisfaction in questionnaires and surveys.

・For implementing and disseminating the systems and services: －A practical management experience system containing programs

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks in and outside the Agency is provided for PM education, and the system is improved.

－ Disseminating, establishing and improving research ethics education in participating organization are well-developed.

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IV. Matters concerning Efficient Operation and Management

II. Measures for Achieving Objectives of Efficient Operation and Management

1. Rationalization and efficiency of business operations 1.1 Streamlining and efficiency of operational expenses

[Under discussion]

1. Streamlined and efficient operation 1.1. Streamlining and efficiency of operational expenses [Under discussion]

* To be determined in accordance with the conference of the Ministry of Finance, etc.

1.2 Appropriateness of personnel expenses [Under discussion]

1.2. Appropriateness of personnel expenses [Under discussion]

* To be determined in accordance with the conference of the Ministry of Finance, etc.

1.3 Reexamining our assets The Agency will promote the effective use of agency’s facilities and

regularly reexamine these facilities, including need for disposal and transfer to the National Diet Library, etc. of materials retained at the Tsukuba Information Center of Scientific and Technological Information Services by JST, and when the work is completed, discontinuation of the center will be discussed.

1.3. Reexamining our assets The Agency will promote the effective use of Agency’s facilities and

regularly reexamine these facilities, including need for disposal and transfer to the National Diet Library, etc. of materials retained at the Tsukuba Information Center of Scientific and Technological Information Services by JST, and when the work is completed, discontinuation of the center will be discussed.

1.4 Streamlining of procurement and appropriateness of contract Efforts stipulated in “The Policy for Streamlining Procurement by

Incorporated Administrative Agencies” (decision of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications on May 25, 2015) must be steadily conducted for maintaining the fairness of contract and ensuring transparency to improve administrative operations.

1.4. Streamlining of procurement and appropriateness of contract The Agency will take necessary measures according to the “The

Policy for Streamlining Procurement by Incorporated Administrative Agencies” (decision of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications on May 25, 2015), and operate the PDCA cycle for contracts including streamlining of procurement plan, etc., follow-up inspections by contracted monitoring committees, and publication of the results, and at the same time, improve efficiency in management by ensuring fairness and transparency in contracts..

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks The Agency provides general competitive biddings for any

procurement project in principle to maximize R&D outcomes. However, if it is deemed to be absolutely necessary due to the nature of operations and programs including R&D programs, the Agency will use an appropriate form of contract. When general competitive biddings are selected, strict inspection and investigation will be conducted to ensure transparency and competitiveness, as well as appropriate bidding condition settings and sufficient announcement period. When an optional contract is selected, procurement must be based on the competition principle (planned competition, etc.) and reasons for the selection made public.

Further transparency must be ensured for the related public-interest corporation such as making public the relationship of the Agency with the corporation.

V. Matters concerning Improvement in Financial Conditions

III. Measures for Improving Financial Conditions

The Agency will strive to increase self-revenue through the management of its intellectual properties and acceleration of social implementation.

The science and technology document information delivery service will be radically revised to reduce the amount of loss carried forward in consideration of the trend of open science, and at the same time, a new management reform plan will be provided and steadily implemented. <P>

Budgets must be used according to the plan with the outstanding obligation of operating expenses grant taken into account.

Assets approved as unnecessary are properly disposed and transfer of critical assets, if required, must be carefully carried out.

The Agency will strive to increase self-revenue through the management of its intellectual properties and acceleration of social implementation.

A complete reexamination is required for the science and technology document information delivery service in consideration of trends of open science, and a new management reform plan will be provided to reduce the amount of loss carried forward.

Budgets must be used according to the plan with the outstanding obligation of operating expenses grant taken into account. A system to manage budgets and results by program of monetization unit is required for account processing of operating expenses grant according to the revision of the accounting standards of incorporated administrative agencies.

Assets approved as unnecessary should be properly disposed and

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks transfer of critical assets, if required, must be carefully carried out.

1. Budgets (including estimate of personnel expenses), income and expenditure plan, financial plan

See the attached sheet.

2. Short-term debt limit The short-term debt limit is xxx million yen. A delay of receiving

operating expenses grant or a highly urgent, unanticipated situation may cause the short-term borrowing.

3. Disposal plans for unnecessary assets or potentially unnecessary assets

There is no plan to dispose unnecessary assets, but assets must be regularly reexamined and those which are no longer needed discarded in time.

4. Plans for transfer of important assets or taking out a mortgage on them

There is no plan to transfer or dispose important assets.

5. Use of surplus balance The surplus balance in the Agency’s financial closing must be used

to enhance programs operated by the Agency, improve facilities, staff education, computerization of program information, and public relations.

The surplus balance in the invested program should be used for that program.

VI. Other Important Matters concerning Administrative Operations IV. Other Important Matters concerning Administrative Operations

1. Enhancing and reinforcing internal control The Agency will strive to enhance and reinforce internal control by

applying the PDCA cycle to achieve the first objective of a national

1. Enhancing and reinforcing internal control The Agency will enhance and reinforce the internal control to

achieve the first objective of a national R&D agency, “maximization of

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks R&D agency, “maximization of R&D outcomes,” and the philosophy of administrative operation of an independent administrative institute, “appropriate, effective and efficient business management,” by optimizing business operations through corporation evaluation, etc. with government policies, etc. including cabinet decision taken into account.

R&D outcomes,” and the philosophy of administrative operation of an incorporated administrative agency, “appropriate, effective and efficient business management.”

Therefore, the Agency will strive to comply with laws and regulation relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of work and activities to conduct operation, maintain its assets, and ensure the reliability of reports and other documents under the leadership of the president according to the government policies defined in the “Development of System Ensuring the Proper Operations of the Incorporated Administrative Agency” (Notification by the Director-General of the Administrative Management Bureau, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in November 28, 2014), etc.

In addition, the Agency will evaluate R&D programs and corporate body according to the policies of the government in the “National Guideline on the Method of Evaluation for Governmental R&D” (Decision by the Prime Minister on December 6, 2012) and “Guidelines for Incorporated Administrative Agency Evaluation" (Revised and decided by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications in May 25, 2015) to operate the PDCA cycle by feeding evaluation results back to the management and ensure the efficiency and transparency of management.

1.1 Control environment and activities The Agency will streamline the control environment, for example, by

constructing an internal control system under the strong leadership of the president to achieve the integration of administrative operations to a maximum extent.

The operation aims at focusing on the strategic aspect of cooperation with research institutes and companies in Japan and overseas through powerful management centering on the president and deploying strategic PR activities to improve its presence.

When reformed, it must be an organization allowing jobs to be

1.1 Control environment and activities The Agency will streamline the control environment, for example,

by constructing an internal control system under the strong leadership of the president to achieve the integration of administrative operations to a maximum extent. Specifically the Agency will do the following: (System for promoting of internal control) ・Establish a system for promoting internal control and reexamine

various rules based on the mid to long-term objectives to achieve its missions effectively and efficiently, while complying with the laws and regulations.

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks managed in an integrated manner through the revision of operation and organization, development of a flexible personnel system, and reshuffling of research contract jobs according to commonality of research projects in individual programs for strengthening inter-program cooperation and efficiency in operations from strategy planning to innovative R&D and mediate to industry and society.

・ Take appropriate measures for the cross-sectoral review of incorporated administrative agencies according to the decision by the cabinet, etc., and examine the program selection and concentration, and the management system of individual divisions for a flexible and agile corporate management, and if applicable, separate the theme selection and management process from the research contract process in the public invitation of research projects, and consolidate similar research contract processes into the contract division to optimize the total management resources allocation.

(Operation management and organization structuring policies) ・Establish cooperation with research institutes and companies in Japan

and overseas through top-level negotiation by the president, etc. and inter-organization agreement under the strategy to maximize R&D outcomes in operating programs, and accelerate information distribution by strategically deploying explicit PR activities by, for example, emphasizing the Agency’s contribution and involvement in the achievements.

・Implement a control tower function in structuring the organization for integrating programs in a cross-sectoral manner to strengthen inter-program cooperation, and integrate management in cooperation with outside programs and application of their outcomes. Develop a flexible personnel system to handle a range of operation from strategy formulation to innovative research and mediation to the industry and society responsibly.

1.2 Risk management and monitoring

For establishing the PDCA cycle of internal control based on the control environment, interrupting factors that affect the mission of the Agency must be handled properly while being understood as risks, and continuously reviewed through control activities, audit by auditors and

1.2 Risk management and monitoring For establishing a PDCA cycle on the basis of internal control

environment, the Agency will continue to: ・Evaluate and reduce risks causing obstruction in executing the

Agency’s missions, and set the PDCA cycle in place in the whole

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks monitoring in cooperation with internal audit activities to ensure effective and efficient operation.

Efforts must be taken to prevent misconduct in research activities and wrongful use of research expenditures, and promote compliance by separating the selection and agreement processes to ensure reliability of entire activities of the Agency as well as highly qualified science and technology and fairness of the study.

agency. ・Develop an assistance system for auditors, inspect the status of

internal control function by monitoring facilities such as internal audit and auditor’s audit, and feed the results back to the management effectively.

・Maintain the compliance of officers to ensure the reliability of overall activities of the Agency by maintaining high-quality science and technology and fairness of research. Ensure fairness in the process of selection and examination of themes and implement conflicts-of-interest management in conducting R&D programs to prevent misconduct in research activities and misuse of research expenses by the contractor, impose obligation of taking preliminary ethics education on the contractor’s researcher, and take appropriate measures in the event of misconduct in research activities or misuse in research expenses.

・Investigate the management system in individual divisions, and if applicable, separate the theme selection and management process from research contract process in the public invitation of research projects, and accumulate individual program’s research contract work containing a large number of common processes into the contract division to achieve a total optimization of management resources allocation.

1.3 Information distribution and use of ICT The Agency will take appropriate publicity activities in the Agency

for effective internal control and properly use ICT for efficient operation.

Appropriate information security measures must be selected based on the government policies for information security.

Information disclosure must be in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations while personal data is properly protected to ensure appropriate operation and establish public trust.

1.3 Information distribution and use of ICT The Agency will maintain and manage a system for the proper

distribution of information and ensure the proper management of information concerning the exercise of function, as well as using ICT to improve work efficiency.

The Agency will strengthen the governance by the Chief Information Officer (CIO) according to the “Common Standards of Information Security Measures for Government Agencies” (Decision of the Cyber Security Strategy Headquarter on August 31, 2016), reexamine the

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks information security policies in time, and based on the results, take measures to maintain information security for improving the organizational response capability. It will check the status of taking measures every fiscal year, improve information security using the PDCA cycle, and continue its efforts to raise awareness of officers for information security.

The Agency will disclose information to maintain proper management and acquire reliability of the public, and provide suitable means of protecting personal data. Specifically, the Agency will take correct actions and get officers acquainted according to the “Act on Access to Information Held by Incorporated Administrative Agencies” (Act No. 140 of 2001) and “Act on Protection of Personal Data Held by Incorporated Administrative Agencies” (Act No. 59 of 2003).

1.4 Other operations required for administration, etc. Professional competence of the Agency must be used to achieve goals

of various programs including those entrusted by other agencies and contribute to promoting science and technology in Japan.

1.4 Other operations required for administration, etc. Professional competence of the Agency will be used to achieve goals

of various programs including those entrusted by other agencies and contribute to the progress of science and technology in Japan.

2. Matters concerning facilities and equipment The Agency conducts focused and planned modification and

upgrading of facilities and equipment including measures to mitigate aging for effective and efficient operation.

2. Matters concerning facilities and equipment The Agency conducts focused and planned modification and

upgrading of facilities and equipment including measures to mitigate aging for effective and efficient operation.

3. Matters concerning personnel affairs Personnel must be assigned according to the plan while diversity is

taken into account in consistent operation of the personnel system, training and education courses for increasing the skills and capabilities of staff, and improving the working environment to maximize R&D outcomes and make the operation effective and efficient.

3. Matters concerning personnel affairs The Agency will take the following measures to maximize R&D

outcomes and achieve effective and efficient operation: ・Conduct personnel evaluation for the accomplishment of officers on a

regular basis, and use the results for determining their position and job assignment in an appropriate and practical manner.

・Conduct on-the-job training for improving knowledge and skills of personnel required for operation and encouraging self- and

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Nest Mid to Long-term Objectives (draft) Next Mid to Long-term Plan (draft) Remarks capability development.

・Otherwise, introduce and improve required personnel systems and create proper working conditions.

・Promote diversity and reflect it in the above measures while grasping the situations and extracting required actions.

4. Debt burden exceeding the mid to long-term objectives period

Considering the need for debt burden and effects of debt burden exceeding the mid to long-term objectives period on the financial plan, rational measures will be taken.

5. Use of reserved fund Of the surplus balance at the last fiscal year of the previous mid-term

objectives period, the amount approved by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will be converted to revenue sources operation defined in the Act on Japan Science and Technology Agency.

(Attached Sheet) Budgets (including estimate of personnel expenses), income and expenditure plan, financial plan [Under discussion]

To be determined in accordance with the conference of the Ministry of Finance, etc.

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