Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the formulation of the Comprehensive Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation; the Innovative Research and Development Promotion Program; Coordination Funds for Medical Research and Development; and Indicators for the Evaluation of the Administration and Operation of National Research and Development Entities.

Based on the discussion in the meeting, the Prime Minister said,

“Today we have managed to compile the Comprehensive Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2014. I would like to express my gratitude to the expert members and relevant Cabinet members for all their extensive efforts to date. The maxim of the Abe administration is precisely to deliver on our promises. The Government will work as one to firmly implement the strategy, and I hope to fully follow up on the progress and achievements at the meetings of this Council.

Innovation is the very key to the Growth Strategy. Last year we worked on strategic budget formulation, and the creation of SIP and ImPACT, among other matters. We were thus highly successful in strengthening the control tower function of this Council. This year, I would like to accelerate specific initiatives aimed at reforming the innovation system in order to establish Japan as the ‘country that is best suited for innovation in the world.’

In particular, I aim to create a Japanese-style system that helps bridge the gap for budding innovative technologies to reach commercialization. To achieve this, I will strengthen the functions of research institutes and enhance the mobility of human resources across organizations.

In addition we are about to reach the implementation stage for ImPACT. The program manager that we have chosen today is a person of exceptional talent who will not shy away from challenges, who will face up to difficult situations, and who will vigorously pave the way for Japan’s future through innovation. The Government will be providing its full support, and I would like to ask you to work on exciting and inspiring research, and report the achievements to this Council.”