Human Capacity Building for Science, Technology, and Innovation Coordination between ASEAN and Japan towards Grand Challenges
| Proponent | : | ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat |
|---|---|---|
| Implementing Agency | : | ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat and Kyoto University |
Background
The ASEAN region faces increasing vulnerability to shared challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, disaster risks, and the urgent need for carbon neutrality. These issues pose significant threats to the region’s aspiration to become a global epicentre of growth. Addressing them requires a coordinated, science-based approach that integrates research, innovation, and policymaking across all sectors.
Despite numerous science and technology initiatives in ASEAN, significant capacity gaps remain in coordinating efforts between the public and private sectors. These include a shortage of capable scientists, limited access to advanced technologies, and a lack of dedicated science, technology, and innovation (STI) coordinators to translate knowledge into action.
In 2021, recognising these challenges, the 11th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation (IAMMSTI-11) welcomed regional efforts to strengthen research ecosystems, including improving research administration and developing professional STI coordinators. These professionals are critical for aligning scientific efforts with policy and societal needs.
Building on these foundations, the project seeks to enhance human capacity for STI coordination in ASEAN to address the shared regional challenges more effectively.
What is the project aiming for?
The project aims to build human and institutional capacity for effective STI coordination between ASEAN and Japan by establishing a platform under the ASEAN University Network (AUN), in collaboration with Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP) and AUN/SEED-Net. This will be achieved through targeted training, mentoring, seed-funding, and knowledge-sharing activities.
By engaging STI professionals and institutions, the project seeks to foster a new generation of coordinators and promote cross-sectoral collaboration to tackle regional challenges. Specifically, the project is expected to deliver the following outputs:
- Enhanced awareness of the strategic role of STI coordination in addressing regional challenges, such as climate change, disaster risk, carbon neutrality, and biodiversity loss;
- Strengthened networks, skills, and institutional mechanisms to support joint research and innovation; and
- Expanded collaborative research and cooperative education initiatives between ASEAN and Japan.
This (ASEAN COSTI-85) meeting highlights the commitment of ASEAN member states to collaboration and inclusivity in advancing science, technology and innovation [STI] across the region. In a time of rapid technological changes, these collaborative efforts are key to realising ASEAN’s vision of a peaceful, inclusive and innovative community.
Hul Seingheng
Chair of ASEAN COSTI-85
June 2024
The Human Capacity Building for Science, Technology, and Innovation Coordination between ASEAN and Japan towards Grand Challenges project contributes to Strategic Area C. Enhanced Connectivity and Sectoral Cooperation, specifically Action Line C. 9 Science and Technology: Action 65 and Action 66, as outlined in the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025. Action 65 addresses “Realising ASEAN’s intent to sustain its economic growth and remain competitive in the world should be supported by appropriate science, technology and innovation (STI) applications,” while Action 66 focuses on “The vision and various goals of the APASTI would require concerted efforts and pooling of resources to address strategic measures.”
The project is currently underway and scheduled to be completed in 2026.
As of 30 June 2025
