Founding Mission
Science and technology constitute the foundation for the advancement of industry, regions, nations, and human society as a whole. Determining how to leverage science and technology to foster economic, social, and cultural development, as well as drive innovation—alongside the associated management of research and development (R&D) and science and technology—has become one of the paramount challenges in national policymaking and corporate governance. Japan has reached a juncture where it must open up uncharted domains through its own indigenous ideation. It is essential to foster creativity, pursue effective research and efficient technological development, and construct an original framework of science and technology in harmony with humanity, society, and the natural environment. To achieve this, it is not merely sufficient to empirically establish organizational institutions and creative environments that optimize individuality; we must systematically examine and theorize the fundamental nature of science, technology, and R&D processes from the perspective of planners, and progressively refine them in practice based on this academically organized paradigm.
While focusing primarily on R&D and innovation, the Society addresses both the foundational knowledge system and the accumulation of diverse empirical knowledge relevant to socio-economic management and policy at large.
The scope of research topics addressed by the Society includes, for example:
1. Ideation and planning related to research, development, and innovation
2. Corporate management and administration aimed at innovation creation
3. Analysis, evaluation, and policy recommendations concerning science, technology, and innovation
4. International strategies and management in R&D and innovation
5. Responses to societal transformations arising from advancements in science and technology
6. Promotion of public understanding of science, technology, and innovation
These encompass a broad spectrum ranging from institutional challenges within enterprises, universities, and public research institutes to regional, national, and international concerns.
To elucidate and resolve these challenges, it is vital for research-promoting bodies—such as corporations, academic institutions, and national/public research organizations—to collaborate closely, exchange their outcomes, and mutually leverage their collective findings.
The Society provides an interdisciplinary and novel forum where academic experts, policymakers, and practitioners from industry, government, and academia who promote R&D from a planning perspective can engage in broad intellectual exchange and mutual enlightenment across domains such as forecasting, ideation, planning, coordination, and evaluation of science, technology, and innovation.
Purpose of the Society
The Society aims to advance academic research and scholarly exchange concerning management and policy related to research, development, and innovation, including:
Enhancing corporate administration and management toward the generation of innovation
Analyzing, evaluating, and formulating policy recommendations regarding science, technology, and innovation
among other critical dimensions of management and policy.
Society Membership
The Society is composed of individuals representing diverse disciplines involved in the promotion, research, development, and application of science and technology, such as:
● Chief Technology Officers, technology planning/management staff, and R&D managers in private enterprises
● Policymakers and strategic planners involved in science and technology policy
● Directors, researchers, and managerial personnel of national and public research institutions
● Academic research directors and university administrators
● Think-tank executives, researchers, and management/technical consultants
● Executives and officers of R&D promotion organizations
● Science and technology journalists
● Scholars and researchers specializing in science/technology policy and management of technology
among others.
The total membership stands at 1,012 individual members (961 regular members, 9 group members, 42 student members) and 13 corporate members (16 subscription units). (As of September 30, 2024)
Establishment
October 1985
Overview of Activities
● Research Presentations and Symposia
The Society hosts research presentations and panel discussions that bring together interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral participants from industry, government, and academia.
● Annual Academic Conference (Autumn)
Held annually in the autumn, the Annual Academic Conference features general research presentations, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and symposia.
● Annual Symposium (Spring)
Convened each spring, this symposium addresses contemporary themes through keynote lectures, case presentations, and comprehensive plenary discussions.
In addition, international conferences and special lectures are organized in cooperation with affiliated academic societies and organizations.
● Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
For areas of significant interest to members, special interest groups (SIGs) are established to conduct autonomous research and scholarly exchanges. Led by designated group chairs, these sessions meet regularly (predominantly on a monthly basis in the evening) for academic presentations and open discussions.
● Publication of the Academic Journal
The Society publishes the quarterly academic journal, The Journal of Science Policy and Research Management. Submissions in English are also accepted. The publication encompasses peer-reviewed papers, case studies, review articles, essays, book reviews, critical literature introductions, and research and survey reports.