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On January 23, 2020, the Prime Minister held the 48th meeting of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, discussions were held on the comprehensive package to strengthen research capacity and support young researchers; the end-of-program evaluation for the Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program (ImPACT), the goal-settings for the Moonshot Research and Development Program and other issues; and the institutional reform policies to promote science, technology and innovation.
 
Based on the discussions, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Today, we have decided on the new package to support young researchers. It is no exaggeration to say that the future of Japan as a science and technology nation depends on young researchers. We intend to significantly enrich our support, such as scholarships so that all students who aspire to a doctorate can devote themselves to research without worrying about their daily living. In the age of accelerating globalization, we also aim to boldly expand opportunities to study overseas. We will also create over 5,000 stable positions for young researchers. Furthermore, we also intend to establish a new research scheme to enable young scholars to conduct challenging research with their creativity for up to ten years, freeing them from bothersome paperwork. By fully implementing all policy measures under this package decided today, we will swiftly create an environment where young people can aspire to pursue a career in research with dreams and hope for the future.
 
Innovations in the world are accelerating further. Today, we received a briefing on cyborg technologies and artificial photosynthesis; I am aware that various technologies, which were a mere dream until very recently, are now on the verge of becoming a reality at an incredible speed. This month, we will open the International Joint Research Center for Zero Emission Technologies in Japan, which will collect wisdom from around the world. We intend to promote moonshot research in pursuit of six ambitious targets, which we have determined today, towards the resolution of issues that humanity is facing, such as a super aging society, in addition to climate change.
 
Now, we are already in an age where we must put global competition first in everything. In the field of quantum technology, which provides the foundation of next-generation encryption and other technologies, Japan will firmly raise its flag high to the world. I intend to create a center of excellence that brings together leading researchers and companies. We also need to promote reforms to make our regulations and systems on innovation ones that are sufficiently flexible in light of international standards.
 
This year, the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held for the first time in half a century. Concerning the Sixth Science and Technology Basic Plan, of which considerations are in progress in this milestone year of 2020, we must create the foundation for Japan to maintain its status as an innovation powerhouse in the new era, looking ahead to the next 50 or 60 years. I ask Minister Takemoto, in particular, and other relevant ministers, including Minister Hagiuda and Minister Kajiyama, to continue to develop concrete policies, working in unity.”