There is growing public expectation that S&T and innovation will respond to economic and social changes and provide solutions to social problems. Policies in this area must be formulated through a highly rational and transparent process based on objective evidence. NISTEP is conducting surveys and research and developing data infrastructure that can contribute to such policies.

The United States, European nations, and other countries are conducting research to scientifically analyze the mechanisms of S&T and innovation and are taking action to build data infrastructure based on their policymaking. For its part, Japan currently advocates “science of science, technology and innovation policy” as a new field providing a foundation for transition from conventional S&T (science and technology) policy to STI (science, technology and innovation) policy, thereby encompassing related policy areas in addition to S&T.

Japan’s Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan (FY2011 to 2015) states: “The Japanese government promotes ‘science of science, technology and innovation policy’ to formulate objective evidence-based policy, and to reflect the outcomes of evaluation and examination of policies into the next policy-formation. To that end, the government requires broader participation of researchers in social sciences as well as in natural sciences, and through these efforts, the government fosters human resources to engage in policy formation.”

Against this background, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) launched the SciREX (Science for RE-designing Science, Technology and Innovation Policy) program in FY2011 to achieve “evidence-based policy formulation” that will create effective policies for addressing pertinent issues based on analysis and full understanding of economic and social circumstances from multifaceted perspectives.

NISTEP is expected to conduct “mission-oriented investigation and research” and develop “data infrastructure.” In order to benefit from the advice of researchers and experts possessing specialized knowledge, NISTEP has set up an advisory committee regarding these responsibilities.

Surveys and Research

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