What does diversity bring to science, technology and innovation? Collaboration among various people with different backgrounds, mindset and perspectives leads to appropriate and targeted research results on various social issues. In addition, if each of us can overcome the limitations of our confined environments and experience various environments, including domestic and overseas companies and academia, we will be able to gain new perspectives and knowledge. Furthermore, if it becomes possible to concentrate on research while working in a way that suits individual circumstances, such as managing housework, nursing care, and child-rearing, each person will be able to fully demonstrate their abilities and become a force for society. JST believes that these advantages will render the research itself more flexible and produce innovations that better meet the needs of society. Our activities are directed not only to researchers but also to those who support research activities. JST will promote science, technology and innovation with a focus on diversity, while making recommendations to the government for improved policies, so that Japanese society will ultimately become more flexible and livable, benefiting society as a whole.
We shall create an environment where everyone respects each other and can demonstrate their abilities while maintaining a broad perspective, without discrimination based on age, gender, or nationality.
We shall contribute to science, technology and innovation by leveraging the experience and qualities that each of us has in a variety of occupations and industries.
We aim to create a system that maximizes individual strengths through flexible and stress-free work styles, unaffected by child-rearing, nursing care, job transfers, etc.
Among the three types of diversity, diversity in human resources is particularly foundational. This is because careers and work styles are created and determined by people. In order to promote science, technology, and innovation, it is important for diverse people to participate, with each of their perspectives valued. Participation of diverse people means that each is involved with an awareness of differences in gender, nationality, age, race, and disability. In the past, there has been a tendency to not clarify the differences based on the belief that doing so would lead to discrimination. However, in recent years, there has been a call for clarifying these differences, and encourage the participation of all diverse people in society, so that no one is left behind.
As an element of diverse people, the typical example is gender. It has been a fact that most science and technology have been researched and developed by men, and women's participation has been less than that of men. However, the data also showed that joint research and development by men and women can result in patents with higher economic value, and papers in interdisciplinary fields are more widely used. In order to make the results of research and development more beneficial to society, it is now essential for both men and women to collaborate in conducting research and development. In addition, there is a growing movement in research and development toward clarifying differences such as gender-based characteristics to benefit people in a broader society. Gender equality is the term used to describe the participation of all people in every aspects of society, regardless of gender. Movements to promote the participation of women are becoming active around the world.
Gender equality is not just about issues concerning women and girls, but also related to men and boys, disability, race, ethnicity, culture, age, sexuality, geography, and other factors. So far, the focus has been on women and girls, which has been a major issue, but gender equality for all is needed from now on, while considering the relationship with other factors. This issue was discussed at Gender Summit 10 Asia-Pacific held in Tokyo in May 2017, but here, focusing on women and girls, the starting point of gender equality, is defined as "Gender Equality 1.0" and the development of a diversity perspective with emphasis on relationships with other factors is defined as "Gender Equality 2.0," and the necessity of "Gender Equality 2.0" is declared.
