This proposal aims to provide an R&D strategy for strengthening Japan's technology governance, that steers science, technology and innovation (STI) in such a way that the nation's international competitiveness is improved, and a desirable future society is ensured to be realized. The proposal consists of 3 measures which generate interactive dynamics between the practice of ELSI/RRI from the early stage of the innovation process, and the consideration of technology governance.

It becomes increasingly important to realize technological innovation as well as to explore the fundamental values in Japanese society, to share certain norms among stakeholders, and to promote policy making related to the development and usage of the technology, in order to create innovations for solving social problems and for social transition. Under the recent trend of the interval between R&D and its implementation becoming shorter, it is essential to work on R&D simultaneously with policy making from early stages.

Today, the discussion of technology governance starts from the point of emergence of science and technology, or prior to the clear definitions of social problems and of scenarios/methods for social transition. And activities closely related to such 'upstream' stage of policy making include the addressing of ELSI (Ethical, Legal and Social Issues) and the conduct of RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation).

The 6th Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Plan in Japan calls for the "convergence of knowledge" to create new values and emphasizes the importance of co-creation between researchers and various stakeholders. It also highlights the need to address ELSI from the early stages of R&D to solve increasingly complex social problems and to implement new science and technology. ELSI is particularly important for emerging technologies that have significant social impacts, and multiple R&D communities are attempting to engage in such issues spontaneously.

As such, ELSI/RRI is recognized as an important R&D framework in Japan. To accelerate this movement, this proposal suggests the following approach for policymakers and academia to adopt with a scope of next 5 to 8 years.

• (1) Enhancing hub functions that foster the linkage between R&D and policy making

  Strengthening the hub functions can create an environment in which ELSI is considered at an international level, in accordance with the progress of science and technology or the development of social issues, thus linking STI foresight with R&D strategy.

• (2) Expanding RRI practices within large-scale mission-oriented R&D programs promoted under national STI policy

  The funding structure, management, and evaluation process can be improved so that the implementation of RRI practices is promoted with a strong focus on contribution to policy making in large-scale mission-oriented R&D programs supported by national STI policy.

• (3) Ensuring a diversity in human capabilities that enable linking between R&D, policy making and society

  Efforts to foster a virtuous circle of knowledge and human resources across sectors include enhancing mechanisms for human resource development and career progression in research and education. Various opportunities for engagement with ELSI in STI can be provided to support such efforts.

Proposal (1) suggests the establishment of two types of hubs: specialized research hubs and interdisciplinary research hubs. These would be responsible for facilitating the exchange of knowledge and collaborative practices among relevant stakeholders. To achieve this, it is recommended to strengthen funding programs and to utilize existing networks and platforms. This will ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of the hub function, promoting knowledge circulation and collaboration across sectors.

Proposal (2) suggests the implementation of RRI practices in the early stages of R&D in a practical and steady manner while valuing the autonomy of R&D community. To achieve this, it is useful to clearly state the importance of designing a system that encourages communication between R&D and policy making, a ʻhybrid' evaluation mechanism that focuses on both outcomes and processes of research, and a flexible funding scheme.

Proposal (3) suggests the provision of opportunities to nurture highly specialized human resources in various fields to link R&D with policy making. For this, it is necessary to connect human resource development, career advancement, employment, and evaluation mechanisms when designing each system. Creating multi-layered opportunities for human resource development and career advancement, from primary and secondary education to ongoing recurrent education, is also beneficial.

These measures offer a general framework for connecting R&D and policy making. To implement these proposals effectively, it is essential to conduct many dialogues with stakeholders which take into account the characteristics of each subject. We hope this proposal serves as a step towards the realization of such endeavors.