In a robust presentation delivered on October 9th at the 4th Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum, in Japan, AIT President Said Irandoust spoke of what he feels is a vital imperative for higher education in the twenty-first century. "Collaboration between Universities, Research Institutes and Industries" is a key inter-connected dynamic that contributes to excellence all-around, the president said, as he offered his audience vivid examples of AIT’s innovative professional-oriented programs that are at the core of this educational belief.
President Irandoust’s message was well received. Indeed, the STS Forum, held in Kyoto from 7-9 October, issued a statement that went further, saying that aside from educating students, universities should also play an important role in contributing to socio-economic development by promoting innovation through business-academia-government collaboration.
This year's STS Forum attracted over 600 scientists, policy makes, business executives and media leaders from 71 countries, regions and international organization. The Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Yasuo Fukuda, delivered the opening address, and stressed how science and technology can empower the transition to a sustainable society.
Importantly, one of the key recommendations made by the Forum was that joint research in developing countries should be encouraged with the participation of researchers and scientists from developed countries. The statement also noted that a portion of official development assistance (ODA) should be used for this activity; to harness the human potential of developing countries with the financial power of developed countries.
Some other important contacts and meetings for the AIT President at the STS Forum are as follows:
Council for Science and Technology Policy: The AIT President had an occasion to meet with Dr. Taizo Yakushiji, whom he also met with during his earlier visit to Japan in August of this year. Dr. Yakushiji is a Member of Council for Science and Technology Policy (CSTP), Cabinet Office http://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/english/index.html . Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Council serves as the headquarters for the promotion of Science and Technology (S&T) policy; it overlooks all of the nation's S&T, formulates comprehensive and basic policies, and conducts their overall coordination.
President Irandoust was able to provide Dr. Yakushiji with an update on some of AIT’s recent activities and initiatives. Aware of the important regional role of AIT, Dr. Yakushiji was most supportive and has offered to help further promote AIT within the Government of Japan. The president also extended an official invitation to Dr. Yakushiji to visit AIT and also to deliver one of the graduation addresses.
VINNOVA, Sweden: President Irandoust met with Professor Per Eriksson, Director General of VINNOVA (Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems), and was able to update him on the ongoing collaboration between AIT and VINNOVA. VINNOVA has recently been commissioned by the Swedish Government to initiate research and development collaboration with India for which the budget has already been allocated. VINNOVA and AIT will be exploring ways in which AIT could actively partner with VINNOVA, given the Institute’s many years of experience working with Indian academic and research institutions.
Universitie Paris III, Sorbonne Nouevele: AIT President was introduced to Professor Bernard Bosredon, President of the Universitie Paris III, Sorbonne Nouevele, by former AIT President, Professor Jean-Louis Armand, who also participated in the STS Forum. During the discussion, the president extended an invitation for Professor Bosredon to visit AIT.
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science: The AIT President met with Ms. Ayako Maesawa, Head, Asian Program Division, International Program Department, Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS), discussing ways in which there could be synergies through strategic partnerships, which AIT will be following up on. One important area which AIT can partner JSPS is in their Asian CORE Program, which will open up opportunities for collaboration with Japanese researchers, through the establishment of sustainable collaborative relations among research / education institutions in Japan and other Asian countries. Under the program, these "core institutions" will collaborate in cutting-edge fields of research and on research topics deemed to be of high international importance.
During his visit to Japan, President Irandoust had opportunities to meet and interact with H.E. Mr. Koji Omi, and brief the Ambassador on the activities of AIT, partnership with Japan, and also to seek his support in some of the Institute’s new strategies and directions. Following his return to AIT, the president extended an official invitation to H.E. Mr. Omi to visit AIT and to also deliver one of AIT's graduation addresses.
At both the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto, and the Asian Science and Technology Forum (which the president also attended in Tokyo), there was an emphasis put on the need for a more active role of Japan in Asia ─ moving from a “Japan and Asia” to “Japan in Asia” approach, President Irandoust said. Indeed, one of the efforts being taken by the Government of Japan involves the strengthening of science and technology cooperation with developing countries, especially through the development of networks among higher education and research institutions, that will form the bases for cooperation aimed at joint research and human resources development, President Irandoust added.
In this context, AIT with its almost fifty years of international experience at the service of the development of the region, its established brand name, its international pool of experts in development and its strong networks of partners in the region, can serve as an important platform or capacity development arm of the Government of Japan, which has been actively engaged with AIT since 1969.
AIT President Said Irandoust’s visit to Japan was fully supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Following his return to Thailnad, the president indicated that there were a large number of areas through which AIT can enter into strategic partnerships with JST, and that AIT will be actively pursuing all such possibilities.