Message from the President
I am Yukihiro Fukuda, Director of the National Institute for Land Infrastructure Management (NILIM), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. I was appointed as the new President of the Tsukuba Science City Network effective July 1, 2024. I hope that you will continue to give me your full cooperation.
In the 1960s, Tsukuba Science City was conceptualized for the purpose of alleviating excess concentration of population and industry in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and promoting science and technology. Since then, it has developed into becoming the largest research and development center in Japan. Of particular note, the opening of the Tsukuba Express (TX) improved the access to the center of the capital and brought population growth. Currently in Tsukuba Science City, as many as approx. 17,000 researchers including slightly more than 4,000 foreign researchers are working for more than 100 research public and private research organizations including 29 national research and educational institutions located in the city.
Against this backdrop, in June 2004, the Tsukuba Science City Network was built by merging the Tsukuba Science City Liaison Council for Promotion of Research Exchange and the Tsukuba Science City Council. The Tsukuba Science City Network was founded with an aim to “allow its members to mutually and closely exchange diverse information and opinions and partner with each other in research and other issues by capitalizing on the global environment of Tsukuba Science City and setting a future vision, thereby attempting to build a truly resident-friendly, mature community.” Today, it is fulfilling a major role in such partnerships in Tsukuba.
Now, Japan is facing multiple issues including continuous decline in the nation’s labor force due to low birthrate and aging population, stagnant economic growth, global climate change, serious disasters, food problems and the like. To tackle these issues, the promotion of Digital Transformation (DX) and Green Transformation (GX), and a transition to carbon neutrality and the like are essential.
Falling birthrate and aging population cause the nation’s labor force to dwindle and that is impeding economic growth. Against such a problem, DX can be an effective solution. For instance, introduction of AI and robotics will lead to the enhancement of productivity and labor efficiency. Also, the adverse effect brought by climate change poses a serious problem for Japan. While Nankai megathrust earthquakes are imminently feared, the Noto Earthquake occurred on January 1, 2024. Against such natural disasters, making efforts for promotion of GX is absolutely necessary. By more widely adopting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency, we can implement carbon neutrality and build communities less vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. Furthermore, we are urged to develop and spread sustainable farming technologies to solve food problems. Adoption of smart farming and stable supply of food by using DX will positively contribute to the enhancement of food self-sufficiency.
As an effective solution against these issues, the promotion of innovation through research and development is now required. In particular, the development and implementation in communities of new technologies under the sixth Science, Technology, and Innovation Basic Plan will fulfill an important role.
For this purpose, we at the Tsukuba Science City Network are required to be a solid team destined to open up a new horizon for the future of Japan. With a view to implementing sustainable and resilient communities, we strive for conquering such issues through research and development. Also, we are resolved to contribute to the building of Tsukuba Science City taking advantage of knowledge and expertise owned by research institutions.
To promote activities of the Tsukuba Science City Network, I would appreciate your further understanding and assistance.
Yukihiro Fukuda
President, Tsukuba Science City Network
(Director-General of National Institute for Land and Infrastructure
Management Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Government of Japan)