The 4th Science and Technology Basic Plan: A National Innovation System for New Challenges - Role of East Asia and Small & Medium Businesses

Abstract

We give and over view of the Japanese 4th Science and Technology Basic Plan, 1 April 2011 - 31 march 2016, focusing on the four major challenges: recovery & revitalization from earthquake disasters, green innovation, life innovation, and science, technology and innovation system reform. Then we examine two important topics from other essential schemes in the Basic Plan: East Asia Joint Research Program (e-Asia JRP) and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). e-Asia JRP consists of multilateral collaboration in science and technology research and funding among participating countries. It will constitute a part of larger East Asian collaborative efforts in science, technology and innovation. SBIR is a scheme to help individuals and new firms develop and then commercialize innovative technology and products. SBIR consists of initial subsidies and then loans on very favorable terms. We also look at three examples of SBIR success: motor insulation ideal for hybrid and electric vehicles, cancer fighting cyclodextrin, and a key system for high security machines.