Strong push for a new basic plan: Prime Minister directs substantial expansion of basic research and core funding

At the 80th meeting of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi received a report on the status of deliberations concerning the 7th Science, Technology, and Innovation Basic Plan. She instructed that consideration is to be given to substantially expanding investment in basic expenses and basic research. Takaichi is the first prime minister to clearly express her intent using the strong phrase "substantial expansion."

The 7th Basic Plan is structured around six pillars: (1) reviving science (strengthening basic research capabilities and human resource development), (2) strategic prioritization of technology areas, (3) organic linkage with national security, (4) advancement of the innovation ecosystem, (5) promotion of strategic science and technology diplomacy, and (6) reform of implementation systems and governance. With the revival of science positioned as the top priority, 10 emerging and foundational technology areas will receive support from each ministry and agency as priority technology areas. Six of these — AI and advanced robotics, quantum, semiconductors and communications, bio and healthcare, fusion energy, and space — are designated as national strategic technology areas. For these, the government as a whole will provide seamless support from research and development through industrialization, while emphasizing incentives for R&D investment.

Upon receiving the report, Takaichi issued the following instructions: "To revive Japan's 'science,' please consider substantial expansion of basic expenses such as management expenses grants and investment in basic research. Additionally, please implement necessary measures across ministries and agencies, starting with what can be done, and incorporate them into the plan—including measures to achieve seamless support from basic research to social implementation. For example, fundamentally strengthen the R&D Tax Credit System by establishing a 'Strategic Technology Area Type' that encourages ambitious private-sector challenges in strategic fields and a 'University Hub Enhancement Type' that supports collaboration between R&D centers at universities with strong research capabilities and companies. Given the current security environment, the perspective of science and technology responding to national security requirements and strategic science and technology diplomacy are important. Please consider how related ministries should coordinate and specific measures. Furthermore, to realize a 'New Technology-Based Nation' that promotes the social implementation of technologies in which Japan has strengths and fosters successful industrial sectors based on this Basic Plan, please deepen your discussions even further under Minister Akazawa's leadership as we work toward formulating a strategy next summer. Specifically, please thoroughly examine effective measures, including thorough social implementation of technology seeds from national research and development agencies, government procurement including defense procurement, and measures to create and expand new demand through the introduction of regulations and standards."

A draft of the 7th Basic Plan will be compiled as early as January next year, with a public comment period to follow. A Cabinet decision is expected by the end of March. Attention will be focused on how the substantial increases in basic expenses and basic research budgets that Takaichi instructed will be incorporated.