(Research Reports)
Overseas Case Studies on "So-Go-Chi (Convergence Knowledge)" - Knowledge Integration in Research and Innovation for Addressing Societal Challenges -／CRDS-FY2023-RR-09
This report presents 13 case studies of funding programs and initiatives to promote "So-Go-Chi (総合知; convergence knowledge)" at universities and research institutions in other countries. To explore this, we have focused on measures and unique designs for "interdisciplinary research," where researchers in different fields collaborate, and "co-creation," which involves diverse stakeholders.
Our findings confirmed that the approaches to convergence knowledge differ between cases driven by efforts to address societal challenges and those driven by advancements science and technology. At the same time, all the cases we reviewed incorporated concrete elements tailored to their specific fields and topics. These elements were governance, economics and finance, individual and group behavior, science and technology, and capacity building. In considering future measures to promote convergence knowledge, we offer the following points of discussion and recommendations.
(1) Designing R&D programs based on an ecosystem perspective
Efforts to address societal challenges are characterized by mission-oriented designs that focus on aspects such as issue analysis and the elaborate structuring of R&D elements for the transforming complex societal systems. At the same time, these efforts are also directed at creating new systems for fostering social entrepreneurs and impact financing.
Efforts driven by advancements in science and technology demonstrate that the early social implementation of emerging technologies and tough tech necessitates inter- and transdisciplinary research on human and social subjects. Problem-solving through business applications of technological developments encompasses the application of accelerator models, governance and ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI), as well as phased and multilayered financing. Additionally, R&D management that fosters the practical applications of convergence knowledge is required.
It is crucial to discern the differences between cases rooted in societal challenges and those driven by science and technology, establish the direction of the desired ecosystem, and appropriately incorporate the process of manifesting "So-Go-Chi (convergence knowledge)" according to each phase and situation.
(2) Clarifying the significance of agile processes and management
It should be noted that in agile processes, the scale, duration, timing and speed will vary depending on whether the efforts are rooted in societal challenges or driven by science and technology. What we call "評価 (interventions)" in Japan, including hands-on, advisory, and mentoring processes and management, are observed in many cases. It is necessary to clarify the significance and effectiveness of these approaches to ensure their appropriate application.
(3) An integrated approach to research, practice, and education
A common trait in many case studies is the holistic approach to research, practice, and education. Planning, team-building, and networking opportunities with stakeholders during the preparatory stages are supported. Additionally, creating the necessary environments, infrastructure, and services enables this integration. There is an evident willingness to flexibly existing organizational structures, finances, and partnership frameworks to enhance the fluidity and diversification of people, funds, and knowledge.
(4) Strategic public funding as a trigger
Innovation ecosystems are aligned with and leverage the strengths of the respective social circumstances and policy objectives of each country or region. In particular, it is evident that public investment is deemed essential for initiatives addressing societal challenges. Additionally, the institutions we looked at also served as think tanks providing strategies and system design ideas for government policies and governance measures. Japan needs to deepen discussion on its core STI policy issues and the directions of its research and innovation ecosystems and consider the kinds of policies it needs to promote.
Many of the initiatives being undertaken in the countries and regions we surveyed are only just beginning and will need to be monitored on a continuing basis. Likewise, we will also need to dig deeper to study the overall policies behind their efforts, working from the points of discussion and recommendations we have put forth in this report.