Austrian State Secretary Mahrer Pays Courtesy Visit to Minister Shimajiri

Exchanging insights and opinions (Secretary Mahrer, far left)

Commemorative Photograph

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On March 18, 2016, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Ms. Aiko Shimajiri, received a courtesy visit from Austrian State Secretary (Economics, Academics, Research, and Technology) Dr. Harald Mahrer.

Minister Shimajiri welcomed State Secretary Mahrer, sharing details about Society 5.0, Open Innovation, and other core components of 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan, scheduled for implementation beginning in April. In response, Dr. Mahrer stated that open innovation is becoming a core component of government policy in Austria as well.

The secretary mentioned his interest in the activities of ImPACT Program Manager Dr. Sankai (University of Tsukuba professor) in developing new approaches to integrating robotics technologies and nursing care. Minister Shimajiri discussed the innovative cybernetics system for stress-free nursing care, which is part of the ImPACT program. She also expressed her hopes that Japanese research outcomes like these will be used broadly in Austria.