Fang Xin, dean of the School of Public Policy and Management of the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), delivered a speech on behalf of Ding Zhongli, vice president of CAS.

The 11th China-Japan Science and Technology Policy Symposium, sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan and hosted by the Chengdu Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment (IMHE), was held in Chengdu from September 6 to 7.

The theme of the symposium was "The impact of digital technology innovation on scientific, technological, economic, social and environmental development: policies and practices". Participants included representatives from MEXT and its subsidiary bodies, specifically the National Research Institute, the Japan Science and Technology Agency , the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, as well as Hitachi, Ltd., the Embassy of Japan in China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and Beijing Normal University.

At the opening ceremony, Fang Xin, dean of the School of Public Policy and Management of the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), delivered a speech on behalf of Ding Zhongli, vice president of CAS. She pointed out that CAS and MEXT since 2004 have maintained close cooperation and successfully held 10 China-Japan Science and Technology Policy Symposiums where they engaged in candid and in-depth exchanges and discussions on the two countries’ science and technology strategies and policies, as well as on their experience in construction and reform of science and technology innovation systems.

Today, the digital technology of the Internet, cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence is deeply integrated into all fields of society and exerts more and more far-reaching influence. In order to seize opportunities brought by the Fourth Industrial Science and Technology Revolution, China has formulated the Made in China 2025 initiative while Japan has brought in its Society 5.0 strategy. Both coincidentally perceive scientific and technological innovation, especially in digital technology, as an important engine driving sustainable economic and social development. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, an occasion on which friends from the scientific and technological community of the two countries, both old and new, can gather again to explore the aforementioned theme and share their insights. Fang expressed the hope that the representatives of the two sides will speak out freely, make suggestions for promoting scientific and technological exchanges and innovative cooperation, and contribute to enhancing understanding, friendship and trust between their peoples.

Yoshio Yamawaki, Deputy Director-General of MEXT, thanked CAS for its meticulous preparations for the symposium. He said that it was a great honor to be invited to attend the symposium on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Outlining measures taken by the Japanese government to materialize Society 5.0, he illustrated the increasingly significant role of scientific and technological innovation in social and economic growth, and hoped that China and Japan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation in this field.

Professor Fang and Michinari Hamaguchi, president of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, then delivered respective keynote reports entitled "Digital Technology Needs to Be Regulated and Protected by Law" and "The Science and Technology Policy Based on Digital Technology Innovation". Representatives from China and Japan also spoke on "Science and Technology Innovation and Development Based on Digital Technology Innovation", "Industrial Technology Innovation and Development Based on Digital Technology Innovation", "Social Innovation and Development Based on Digital Technology Innovation" and "Environmental Sustainable Development Based on Digital Technology Innovation".

The meeting enjoyed in-depth exchanges which led to consensus on key areas and actions for future cooperation.

It was decided to hold the 12th China-Japan Science and Technology Policy Symposium in Japan next autumn.

Source: CAS