Academic research not only generates new knowledge but also fosters innovation in the form of new products and services, making it one of the key foundations of modern society. Science, technology and innovation (STI) policy encompasses universities and public research institutions--the drivers of academic research--as well as private companies--the drivers of innovation--and the organizations that serve as bridges between them. This policy is formulated and implemented with the involvement of a diverse range of organizations, including numerous national ministries and agencies as well as local governments.
Research on STI policy covers topics such as effective methods for allocating research funding; the relationship between research team composition and research outcomes; international comparisons of research capabilities and the evaluation and measurement indicators used for this purpose; human resource issues related to R&D and innovation (securing and developing researchers, R&D management personnel, and research support staff); R&D tax incentives; the patent system; industry-academia collaboration, the formation of startup ecosystems, the efficient installation, maintenance, and utilization of research equipment; ensuring sufficient research time for researchers; ethical issues in R&D; the development of cutting-edge technologies and national security; and challenges in specific fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology. While it is not possible to cover all of these here, you will likely discover numerous important themes whose full scope has yet to be elucidated.
This program is an educational curriculum that awards Master's and Ph.D. degrees with a focus on STI policy. Through scientific approaches, the program aims to develop highly skilled professionals capable of planning, drafting, implementing, evaluating, and revising STI policies and strategies, as well as researchers with advanced research capabilities in STI policy.
In addition, since 2020, the program has expanded its course offerings to include evening and Saturday classes, enabling students to pursue their studies while continuing their professional careers. We have also introduced a short-term certification program, the "Short-Term STI Policy and Management Training Program," which allows participants to transfer earned credits to the GiST Master's or Ph.D. Program. These initiatives have broadened educational opportunities for a wider range of individuals.
The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) is expanding its global network with the aim of training mid-career politicians, government officials, and professionals from industry to become policy and strategy experts and future leaders. Japanese students in this program also have opportunities to engage with international students of diverse professional backgrounds while studying in Japan.
I strongly hope that individuals with a keen interest in STI policy will come together in this program, and that the knowledge and insights gained here will contribute to their career development and be effectively applied in policy practice.
Koichi Sumikura
Director
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Program
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
