From Divergence to Convergence: Shifts in the Science and Technology Policy of Japan and Switzerland

In: Swiss political science review: SPSR = Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Politikwissenschaft = Revue suisse de science politique, Band 10, Heft 3, S. 103-135

Abstract

This contribution analyzes recent developments in science & technology policy in two countries -- Japan & Switzerland -- that are often assumed to be of very different traditions & structures, politically, economically, & culturally. The main argument is to demonstrate that despite these differences we find an astonishing convergence of science & technology policies since the 1990s, though their basic organizational features remain, of course, very different. This is due to major changes in the perception of how innovation comes about, to the rise of generic technologies, & a new philosophy in state action. The article elucidates how the two countries have changed their structure of guidance & implementation in research. 31 References. Adapted from the source document.