Prospects and Challenges for Science of STI Policy After the 3.11 Japan Disaster

The Great East Japan Earthquake and the accidents at Fukushima Dai-ich Nuclear Power Plant have also had significant impacts on the governance of science, technology and innovation (STI) both in Japan and the rest of the world. The unanticipated extent of damages by the earthquake and tsunamis as well as the “unexpected” nuclear accidents in Fukushima, have shaken the public confidence in science and technology. Conflicting claims among scientists and experts about the seriousness of the nuclear accidents in Fukushima have also made people skeptical about their credibility and trustworthiness. Finally, there have been generating overwhelming challenges to the governance of STI, such as reviewing the existing energy strategy, realizing the robust supply chains, and making and implementing effective and efficient STI policies which will be able to contribute to the reconstruction of society and economy of both of affected areas and Japan as a whole, while making effective use of limited resources under severe fiscal condition.

As these challenges are beyond the scope of the existing system, there is a need for the redesign of the governance of STI to address them. Japan’s new “Science of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy” Initiative is expected to play an important role in this redesigning process. In this presentation, the prospects and challenges for “Science of STI Policy” in redesigning the governance of STI will be discussed.