Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the third meeting of the Council for Science and Technology Policy in 2013 (109th in total) at the Prime Minister's Office.

Intensive discussion took place on local resources and a "society of good health and longevity."

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"The 'Comprehensive Strategy on Science and Technology Innovation,' which this Council for Science and Technology Policy has been asked to formulate as a control tower' for innovation promotion, is an important strategy that will serve as the principal guidelines on Japan's innovation policy. I look forward to vigorous deliberations taking place for the establishment of this strategy.
Today, I would like to ask the Council to deliberate the two topics of local resources and good health and longevity with a view to establishing a growth strategy.
Discussion on local resources is about how these can be leveraged and turned into regional 'strengths' by harnessing the capacities of science and technology innovation, as regions face a further population decline, declining birthrate, and aging population, and, by extension, the diminishing vitality of the regions.
The topic of good health and longevity deals with the question of how science and technology innovation can be stimulated to realize a society in which world-class medical and nursing care are available, and people can enjoy healthy and happy lives, amidst the aging of society.
I would like to ask Cabinet members and the expert members of the Council to discuss these topics and then compile a report."