Yotaro Kobayashi
Chairman
NIRA
Establishing Think Tanks Essential for Japan's Policy-making Process
Up to now, government and bureaucracies have proposed and determined major macro policies in Japan. In the light of significant economic and social changes underway, we need to democratize policy-making process involving citizen's voice. More policy options should be provided. And that is the essential role of think tanks.
In this context, Japanese think tanks bear more important roles than ever as an institute to propose policy alternatives. However, we must admit Japan do not yet have such think tanks that exist in the United States and Europe which give leverage over not only to domestic policymaking but also to give impact on international affairs. For that reason, it is essential to establish and manage think tanks of such caliber through new and bold initiatives of Japanese government and private sectors.
What are the qualifications expected of think tanks to become an alternative policy-making organ?
There are three major qualifications required for a think tank to provide influential policy recommendations.
First, a think tank implements scholarly research on its specialized field(s), and its research result must be highly recognized by the policymaking community. In attaining such recognition, a think tank must hammer out quality and credible research output useful for policy making. This demands a think tank to recruit and keep distinguished research fellows, to build network with policy institutes throughout its country and abroad.
Second, a think tank must be independent and strictly nonpartisan. To ensure that think tank takes no political position and will not be affected by external pressures, a think tank need to be established on firm financial and personnel basis.
Third, capability to promote extensively such research results to policymakers, as well as to political scientists and experts in their respective fields.
Mission assigned to NIRA
First is to build and strengthen the research network with institutions worldwide. We can serve as a bridge between scholarship and policymaking through our research exchanges with overseas institutions. In other words, collect and disseminate policy relevant information to government officials and legislatures, in particular on the issues or of perspectives thereof that they are unable to involve directly due to diplomatic and bureaucratic constraints. This in turn will allow us to contribute in developing and promoting international debate on policy agendas and eventually forging a consensus.
Second is to assure independence as a policy research institution, where we could address our own idea, concept and perspectives in an innovative and unique approach without any influence of the governments and specific interest groups. To realize this independence in our research, we must be independently well financed and be able to maintain necessary research and support personnel so that we can avoid any conflict of interest, with a parent body, fund providers and sponsors.
Third, is to enhance our dissemination of research outputs worldwide. As a strategic approach for promotion of quality research which can make difference in policymaking, we want to recruit and invite distinguished experts whose outstanding achievements are well known, from Japan and abroad in key positions of NIRA. At the same time, he/she could bring new knowledge to improve NIRA's response to policy challenges and play as a magnet to attract the media attention.
Despite the fact that the above measures can not be easily achieved, I trust NIRA satisfies many of the conditions necessary for a research institute to become a truly international policy research think tank representing Japan by taking necessary steps.
(*) This is a summary of policy brief I produced for the Chief Cabinet Secretary by his request on the future of Japanese think tanks at large and of NIRA. This represents strictly my personal view and does not necessarily represent NIRA's view as an institution.
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