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Research and innovation
News article25 January 2023Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

Stepping up cooperation on R&I with Japan – Acting Director General Ratso visits Tokyo

Photo from the event
From left to right: Mr Koji Kitayama, Ms Signe Ratso, His Excellency Shigeki Ito, His Excellency Jean-Eric Paquet

On 25 January, Acting Director General (ADG) Signe Ratso co-chaired, together with EU Ambassador in Tokyo Jean-Eric Paquet, the seminar “Enhancing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Collaboration between the EU and Japan”. The seminar was organised in a hybrid format by the Delegation of the EU to Japan in collaboration with Tohuku University.

In her key-note address, alongside Japanese senior officials, ADG Ratso underlined that science, technology and innovation policies are endowed with a huge transformational power, the kind of power we need to accelerate the transitions both the EU and Japan care about: the green and digital transitions, and the transition to a more people-centred, resilient and just society. In light of the overarching nature of these societal transformations, ADG Ratso stressed that cooperation with like-minded partners and strategic allies such as Japan shall remain, and will remain, a top priority for the European Union.

Ms. Ratso is currently visiting Japan to discuss with relevant Japanese ministries the possible association of Japan to Horizon Europe. Association would represent a major leap forward in the overall EU-Japan R&I partnership.

In the opening remarks on the session on R&I opportunities under Horizon Europe Work programmes 2023-2024, Maria Cristina Russo, Director for Global Approach and International Partnerships, encouraged Japan to consider actively R&I cooperation opportunities with the EU. She added that, in line with the Global Approach, Japan is a strategic partner with whom we share the respect of fundamental values and key R&I principles. Upholding these values and principles is paramount in these times.

The seminar provided an opportunity for European and Japanese policymakers, academics and other STI stakeholders to discuss about enhancing their collaboration, exploring synergies and building linkages. New collaboration opportunities under the Horizon Europe Work Programmes 2023-2024, adopted on 6 December 2022, were presented, as well as some inspiring testimonies and success stories of past cooperation under the EU Framework Programmes.

The seminar was followed by a high-level STI Reception in the premises of the EU Delegation in Tokyo. Senior representatives of Japanese ministries and agencies participated in the reception, alongside Ambassadors and Science Counsellors of EU Member States.

More information

International cooperation with Japan

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Publication date
25 January 2023
Author
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation