In a significant move to bolster scientific collaboration and foster innovation, the United Kingdom and Japan have officially renewed their Science and Technology Agreement for the 21st Century. The agreement, signed by UK Science Minister George Freeman and Japan’s Minister State Minister Nakatani Shinichi in Tokyo, heralds a new chapter in the partnership between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technologies and transformative advancements.

The renewed agreement opens up an array of opportunities for close collaboration, enabling the UK and Japan to jointly develop and bring to market breakthrough technologies. This collaboration will focus on key priority areas such as semiconductors and clean tech, which play a crucial role in driving economic growth, one of the top priorities of the UK Prime Minister.

Highlighting the significance of this renewed partnership, UK Science Minister George Freeman expressed admiration for Japan as a science and technology powerhouse. He emphasized the enormous potential that lies in combining Japan’s unique strengths with the UK’s world-class scientific expertise. By pooling their skills and knowledge, the two countries can tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while simultaneously boosting their economies and creating job opportunities.

The agreement stands as a testament to the UK’s ambition to become a global science superpower. It exemplifies the country’s determination to deepen collaborations on the science and technology front with like-minded nations, such as Japan, and other members of the G7. This united effort aims to secure a collective future, drive economic growth, and improve lives worldwide.

Over the past week, Minister Freeman embarked on a visit to Japan, where he advocated for increased cooperation among leading democratic nations. His objective was to ensure that scientific advancements contribute to global security and prosperity, while addressing critical issues such as climate change, bio-security, and space sustainability.

The recent G7 Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting held in Sendai, Japan, provided a pivotal platform for showcasing the UK’s leadership in science and innovation. It underscored the power of collaboration among free societies in upholding shared principles and countering authoritarian narratives, all while fostering economic growth. The economic benefits derived from innovation are vital in unlocking investments in public services, reducing national debt, and mitigating inflation – all key priorities for the UK government in 2023.

During his visit, Minister Freeman further solidified the UK’s relationship with Japan by engaging with researchers at the NanoTerasu synchrotron radiation facility and Tokohu University’s disaster science institute. He also held meetings with leaders from Japanese science and technology companies deeply involved in the UK market.

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The shared science and innovation priorities between the UK and Japan form a solid foundation for their collaboration. For instance, Japan’s Moonshot R&D Programme aligns with the UK’s focus on quantum technology, one of the five critical technologies identified in the UK Science and Technology Framework.

Under the renewed agreement, the UK and Japan have committed to working together on joint research and development programs. They will also facilitate academic and industrial exchange schemes, promoting collaboration between companies from both nations by creating networking and investment opportunities. To ensure synergy, closer connections will be established between public bodies such as the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Harmonizing science governance and standards will also be a shared priority.

The UK’s Science and Technology Framework lays out its vision to be internationally recognized as a tech superpower by 2030. International collaboration is deemed indispensable for the UK’s global leadership in science and technology. By building partnerships with other leading nations, the UK aims to collectively address urgent global challenges, promote positive values, and enhance security

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