SSU Forum/GraSPP Research Seminar “Japan’s Defense Innovation Science and Technology”

  • Date：
    Fri, Feb 21, 2025
  • Time：
    10:30-12:00
  • Location：
    (In-person only): Seminar Room, Ito International Research Center 3F, Hongo campus, UTokyo
    MAP
  • Host：

    Security Studies Unit (SSU), Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), the University of Tokyo

  • Co-host：

    Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), the University of Tokyo

  • Language：

    English (Japanese simultaneous translation not available)

  • Registration：

    Please be sure to sign up from registration form below.

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Abstract

Science and technology, which are evolving at a dramatic pace, are fundamentally changing the shape of society and drastically changing the aspects of warfare. Amid an increasingly severe security environment, it is necessary for Japan to swiftly respond to these social and science and technology changes, to keep our eyes on the future, and to secure national power not to be invaded or threatened by other countries. For this purpose, it is necessary to gather the wisdom of not only defense bureaus but also companies, universities, research institutes, etc., to observe, learn, and develop cutting-edge technologies with creative ideas, and to link them to their implementation in society.

In October 2024, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) established the Defense Innovation Science and Technology Institute (DISTI) with the aim of becoming a hub for collaboration between industry, academia and government in the National Defense field. At the DISTI, initiatives that lead to defense innovation are being implemented under the following characteristics, including the search for science and technology with various possibilities, the challenge to breakthroughs that overturn conventional wisdom, and the rapid utilization of science and technology. This seminar presents an outline of defense innovation using specific examples.

1. Creation of defense innovation that will significantly change society
Achieve breakthroughs by setting challenging goals and conducting research that tolerates failure, and create new functions, technologies, and other values.

2. Active Utilization of External Human Resources
To leverage various rapidly evolving and rapidly changing science and technology, the MOD / SDF will actively utilize external researchers, etc., and maximize the effects of defense innovation through the synergy of experts.

3. Focus on speed
Developing promising science and technology while searching for multiple technological solutions, and swiftly implementing various science and technology into the defense of Japan.

Panelists

Opening remarks: IIDA Keisuke
Professor, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics / Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP)
Director of SSU Unit, Institute for Future Initiatives, the University of Tokyo

Speaker1: FURUKAWA Yoshio, PhD
Director of Breakthrough Research Unit, Defense Innovation Science and Technology Institute (DISTI),  Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency

Speaker2: MANABE Seiji
Chief of Innovation Driving Office for Emerging Technology in Air Staff Office, Japan Ministry of Defense

Speaker3: SUZUKI Yoshito
Innovation Driving Office, Chief of Air Staff Office, Japan Ministry of Defense

Moderator: HENG Yee Kuang
Professor, Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), the University of Tokyo

Speakers’ Biographies