1.Outline:
The Science for RE-designing Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (SciREX) program was laid out in 2011, with its HUB at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and Core Centers at the University of Tokyo, Hitotsubashi University, Osaka/Kyoto Universities, and Kyushu University. The main purpose of SciREX is to set the stage for the development of highly talented human resources that can contribute to policy-making in Japan. Since its inception, the program has promoted world class research and training. It provides training in evidence-based policymaking for the individuals who will: lead new research areas in the Science for the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy; connect this science to policy and research; and promote basic research in relevant fields.
One of the program’s key activities is our annual Summer Camp, where faculty members and students from different universities gather to share the results of each university’s exercises through SciREX programs, discuss the topic of the year, present the results of their discussions, and exchange information across a variety of academic fields. This chance will enable you to experience the process in which stakeholders try to make STI policies, setting on concrete problems. In 2024, Summer Camp will be held IN PERSON, as detailed below.
Date: September 13 (Fri)—15 (Sun), 2024
Pre-training session (day 1) and several pre-group meetings will be conducted online during August.
Venue: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Fee: Free*
*Travel expenses will be covered by the program budget. Arrange your own accommodation if necessary.
Languages: Japanese or English*
– Guidance / final presentations: Simultaneous interpretation between Japanese and English will be provided.
– Group Work: There will be Japanese language groups and English language groups to discuss the topics. They will be divided in each.
*Applicants shall specify in their applications whether or not they are able to join discussions in English. That information will be used for composing the groups.
Participants: Students from SciREX Core Centers, Undergrads (3rd and 4th year) and graduate students who are interested in STI Policy formulation are welcome to apply for this event. In the selection of participants, preference will be given to students who are enrolled in programs at SciREX Core Centers.
Organizers: SciREX Office / Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) / SciREX Core Centers, SciREX Center
Planning and Management: SciREX Summer Camp 2024 Planning Team / GRIPS SciREX Center
2. Summer Camp 2024 Main Topic:
How do we live towards a creative future? – STI, Policy and Entrepreneurship –
Today’s world is facing many challenges, notably the worsening global warming that has begun to be called global boiling; conflicts between hegemonic and democratic states; and sharpening divisions within the societies of states. In Japan, unpredictable events such as earthquakes and weather disasters often strike, and the shrinking of populations present society with many challenges. That’s the society in which we have to live.
As a result of science and technology advances, innovation has contributed to our health and prosperity. In addition, the role of science and technology is increasingly crucial in responding to various problems. As for responses to global warming, there are high expectations of green innovation, including the use of renewable energy. Also, developments in advanced science and technology such as AI and quantum technology bring society new possibilities, while at the same time new, never imagined challenges continue to arise.
On the other hand, the situation is changing rapidly and there are a lot of issues, so policy will surely play a major role in the work to mitigate negative impacts as well. Needless to say, planning and implementation of enhanced policies will strongly influence our chances of a prosperous and peaceful future. What is required here is to share our visions of how we might live towards an ideal future; design evidence-based policies to that end; and put those policies into practice.
At such times, some abilities are needed for unlocking the future, and entrepreneurship mind is expected to become one of key means of fostering them. As for mindset, trial and error and critical thinking are essential, as are ways of thinking that are similar to scientific thinking (the affinity between entrepreneur mindset and scientific way of thinking).
From the background above, at the SciREX summer camp, participants explore complex social/global issues with entrepreneur mindset and consider design policies from the perspective of diversity. In group work sessions, participants from diverse backgrounds will work together to find solutions and make concrete proposals to policymakers and stakeholders.
(Aims)
・ SciREX Core Center faculty, students and related government officials shall gather to learn about the meaning and diverse interpretations of “Science for Science Policy.”
・Discussion groups will provide opportunities for network building.
・ Participants from a variety of backgrounds shall experience the process of solving various issues surrounding STI and society through the formulation of policy proposals.
[Discussion topics]
● The Role and Contribution of Academia: Research and Education
A1 Innovation ecosystem (academia and industry collaboration and social implementation) and skilled human resources
A2 Entrepreneurship and STEAM education
A3 EBPM and data analyses in STI policy
● Social reform and the SDGs
B1 Big project policy to promote R&D and social implementation (Ex. BRIDGE, SIP, Moonshot)
B2 Smart City Project: a solution for sustainable development
● Healthcare and Well-being
C1 Social inclusion of elderly and the people with disabilities
C2 Medical science and intellectual property (e.g., drug discoveries, vaccines, medical equipment)
● Geopolitics (international relations)
D1 Supply chain diversity to address geopolitical risks
D2 International comparison of energy policies & next-generation energy
● AI and Future Industry
E1 Enabling anyone who wants to start a business regardless of cost
E2 Co-existence between AI and creators
Please indicate your preferred discussion topics, giving first, second and third choices. As for making groups, we will consider your interests and the thoughts you provide in the application form. You could fine-tune the topic title accordingly in the process of group activity. Please note that we may not always be able to accommodate applicant’s requests.
Personal information including e-mail addresses, will be used for the following purposes from the time of your application until the end of the event.
– To enable SciREX Center to provide you with information about the event
– To enable us to create a Slack Workspace for the event
3.Timetable (tentative)
*We are planning to hold some online sessions for beginners, and meetings in each group before the event.
* In consultant session, you can directly ask professionals, policymakers and stakeholders (ministries, private consultant companies, thinktanks) for useful information about policy-making.
* Simultaneously, you can listen to circumstances about STI policy in other countries by participants from other countries.
4.Registration/Deadline
Please sign up by 17:00 Mon 24 June. To access the application form, click on the following link.
https://forms.gle/tdUfpwndQYrTHbFfA