The 12th Science and Technology Ministersʼ Roundtable
October 4, 2015
Chairperson Minister Yamaguchi
Opening and keynote addresses (Japan, USA)
Meeting discussions and interchange
Commemorative photograph
Bulgaria: Minister Tanev Cuba: Dr. Castro, Scientific Advisor
France: Minister Mandon Romania: President Prisecaru
The 12th Science and Technology Ministers' Roundtable was held in Kyoto on October 4, 2015, under the chairmanship of Japan's Minister for Science and Technology Policy, Mr. Shunichi Yamaguchi. Ministers responsible for science and technology policy, scientific advisors and other representatives from 26 countries including Japan attended the meeting for discussions under the theme of "Strategies for Inclusive Innovation-The Role of International Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation-".
Minister Yamaguchi opened the meeting with an address on approaches to inclusive innovation strategies, and trends in domestic policy for scientific and technological innovation. Following Minister Yamaguchi’s remarks, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John Holdren delivered the keynote address to open the discussion session, introducing initiatives being taken towards inclusive innovation in the U.S.
After the keynote address, each participant introduced initiatives in their countries. Attendees shared a consensus on the necessity and importance of promoting inclusive innovation. Given the varied nature of societal challenges faced in each country, including education, water resources, natural disasters, and medical care, all participants recognized the need to cooperate and work together in a variety of ways through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Another opinion shared was that the widespread use of smartphones and other personal electronic devices is now a driving factor behind the sharing of knowledge and information at a grass roots level, helping further advance inclusive innovation.
On the occasion of the conference, Minister Yamaguchi held bilateral talks with the following representatives:
- Dr. Todor Tanev, Minister of Education and Science (Bulgaria)
- Dr. Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, Scientific Advisor of the Council of State (Cuba)
- Mr. Thierry Mandon, Minister of State for Higher Education and Research, attached to the Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research (France)
- Mr. Tudor Prisecaru, President, National Agency for Scientific Research (Romania)
Prior to the conference, Minister Yamaguchi hosted a lunchtime networking session, and exchanged views with attendees.
Outcomes of The 12th Science and Technology Ministers' Roundtable (PDF:130KB)