In recent years, the ASEAN region has been intensifying its presence amid the restructuring of global supply chains against the background of rising international political tensions and highlighted security issues. Also, many ASEAN countries are experiencing an ongoing demographic bonus period in which the proportion of working-age people in the total population continues to increase. This means the region is expected to achieve further economic development as well as produce more excellent science and technology talent. In addition, to solve global issues such as responding to pandemics and climate change and realizing a decarbonized society, cross-border cooperation between neighboring countries is essential. Under these circumstances, the ASEAN region is becoming even more important to Japan as a cooperative partner.

The cooperative relationship between Japan and ASEAN countries in science, technology, and innovation has been built up over many years since the end of the Second World War. In 2023, marking the fiftieth anniversary of friendly relations between ASEAN and Japan, the highest level of partnership between the two in the form of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was adopted, and the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation was held in Tokyo in December.

Considering this situation, in order to contribute to further strengthening cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) conducted a survey of science, technology, and innovation trends in ASEAN and ASEAN countries.

Looking at a summary of survey results, as for progress in overall activities in science and technology, most ASEAN countries have been making steady progress, although not at the same level as the outstanding development in their economy. Singapore has consistently demonstrated performance on par with developed countries in the West. Malaysia and Thailand, which have focused on developing highly skilled human resources, are thought to be at a relatively high level after Singapore. Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are also carrying out advanced research and development in various fields. Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos appear to be quite limited in terms of the volume of their science, technology, and innovation activities. Unfortunately, it was difficult to grasp the situation in Myanmar due to the political instability there in recent years.

Our results confirmed that all countries except Myanmar fully recognize the importance of science, technology, and innovation in national power and economic growth and develop related policies adopting effective measures in accordance with the nation's own circumstances. Each country identifies priority areas and formulates and implements policies while taking into consideration its own regional characteristics, such as natural resources (land, water, minerals, living things, etc.) and the state of agricultural production. Within the scope of these policies, priority areas common to many countries include digital technology (AI, etc.), the environment and energy, and urban infrastructure and disaster prevention.

Regarding the ideal nature of science, technology, and innovation cooperation between Japan and the ASEAN region, we should pursue a spirit of equal partnership as a matter of principle. It goes without saying that when designing a particular system for cooperation, we must take into consideration the current situation in each of the countries that we have attempted to report on in detail herein. In terms of mutually cooperating for the sake of each other's development and prosperity, Japan needs to build equal and mutually beneficial relationships with all ASEAN countries.

• (in Japanese) Current Status of Science, Technology and Innovation in ASEAN Countries (2023)