[Reading Science] Influence Halved in 10 Years... Neglecting R&D Investment Risks Becoming 'Japan-like' (Comprehensive)

Neglect of R&D Investment After Bubble Burst
Recent Consecutive Failures of Space Rockets
Decline in Nature Index Ranking and Share

"Can Japan really win the science research and development (R&D) competition against regional rivals like Korea and China?"

This is the question posed by the international academic journal Nature. On the 9th (local time), the journal published a special Japan edition (Nature Index - Japan). It raised this question as Japan, once a global technology powerhouse, has fallen behind major countries in recent competition and is now increasing its R&D investment again. Japan is a science and technology powerhouse with more than 24 Nobel laureates in science. For Korea to surpass Japan was once unthinkable.

However, recent abnormal signs are clear. Over the past decade, Japan has struggled in the global advanced technology R&D competition. In 2021, Japan ranked 5th with 3,185 points in the country research performance rankings compiled by Nature based on papers published in 82 leading international journals. It lagged far behind the leaders, the United States (19,857 points) and China (16,753 points). It also performed worse than smaller economies like Germany (4,845 points) and the United Kingdom (3,755 points). Particularly, its share in the Asia-Pacific region dropped sharply to only 12.6%, down from 21.4% in 2015.

Failures in consecutive space rocket launches last October and earlier this month are also considered abnormal signs. Failures are common in space rocket launches, of course. However, it is rare for Japan to suffer repeated setbacks in a specific field. Aren't they known for their ‘artisan spirit,’ focusing on one area and doing their best in everything? Two consecutive failures are an unfamiliar sight. Moreover, space rocket technology is a culmination of basic and advanced technological capabilities. This has led to analyses suggesting it reflects the overall recent decline in Japanese science and technology.

The reason Japanese science and technology is shaking is attributed to long-term neglect of R&D investment due to the aftermath of the bubble collapse that has lasted for 30 years. Delays in digitalization caused Japan to fall behind global trends. The artisan spirit has also become an ‘unexpected’ obstacle. The pride and stubbornness of artisans are hindering technological progress rather than responding to field and customer demands. The lack of overseas study has led to a ‘Galapagosization’ of the research ecosystem. Poor treatment of young Japanese researchers is also a problem.

The Japanese government has recently increased R&D investment and is taking measures such as producing results in science and technology industrialization and providing tailored support for researchers. It has started supporting universities with a budget of about 10 trillion yen (75 billion dollars), imitating programs by the U.S. government that support prestigious private universities on the East Coast.

However, it is unclear whether Japanese science and technology has reached a turning point. In the special Japan edition, Nature evaluated that "the challenge is to guarantee free research and provide sufficient benefits," adding that "a more complex solution than cash support is needed." It particularly warned that if Japan fails to catch up with the AI revolution through digitalization progress, it will be difficult to maintain its current position even in fields where it once led.

Japan’s case can serve as a lesson for Korea. If Korea maintains a passive attitude toward R&D investment, using economic recession as an excuse, it will not avoid becoming ‘like Japan.’