Czech-Japan Science and Technology Days

Science and technology is the backbone and main driving force behind the economic development and strategic strength of all industrially highly developed nations such as Japan, EU member countries, the United States, etc. The Czech Republic places very high importance on the development and enhancement of its industrial competitive advantages. Henceforth, the country is very much focused on further strengthening its scientific and technological capabilities.

The industrial cooperation between the Czech Republic and Japan in recent years and the volume and intensity of recent Japanese investment inflow into the Czech economy have no precedence in perhaps any country of Central Europe or possibly in other regions of the world as well. The Czech Republic has recently managed to attract a large number of Japanese companies that have successfully started operations in various kinds of businesses. Of the 195 Japanese companies registered in the country as of June 2007, 76 are directly involved in the manufacturing sector, three are engaged in research and development (R&D), and 116 are doing business in other sectors such real estate, trading, commerce, forwarding, etc.

It is therefore quite natural that both Japan and the Czech Republic could and should involve themselves very seriously in seeking out synergies in scientific and technological development in both countries so as to achieve much stronger and much more efficient results of joint research and development projects and programmes.

Supporting bilateral contacts and cooperation in the field of science and technology is in full accordance with the “Joint Statement toward Strategic Partnership between the Czech Republic and Japan”, which was agreed upon by the prime ministers of Japan and the Czech Republic during the official visit of Junichiro Koizumi to the Czech Republic in August 2003.

To meet this aim both sides have engaged in organizing the Czech-Japan Science and Technology Days (CJSTD) alternatively in Prague and in Tokyo.

Objectives

The purpose of the Czech-Japan Science and Technology Days seminars is to facilitate direct and much broader contacts between the R&D communities of Japan and the Czech Republic. Such seminars contribute to the exchange of important information on recent and foreseeable development trends with regard to science and technology and the exchange of information. Seminars also provide a comprehensive explanation of national science and development plans and policy principles, strategic guidelines for government programmes and implementation policies for science and technology development, etc.

Events within CJSTD support the search for benefits ensuing from joint or coordinated (interrelated) R&D programmes and projects in order to achieve the maximum possible synergistic effects through joint research and development projects, human-resources development programmes and policies, support for the exchange of young scientists and engineers, etc.

Seminars create a platform for presentation of examples of some recent Czech-Japanese joint R&D projects and their results.

Finally, the aim of these seminars is also to facilitate direct contacts and networking between the R&D communities, top policy makers and business leaders of the Czech Republic and Japan.

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