What's an ideal relationship for science and society - ver 2020 scientometrics
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A. Understanding the uncertainty and ethical aspects of science, technology and innovation, and taking an appropriate and integrated approach to addressing science abuse, misuse and deviation
A.1. A system is secured where trusted experts and expertise can be fully utilised
Citizens
Use tools and pathways to cooperate with experts and express opinions
Number of participants in science events (e.g. science cafés)
Number of initiatives such as community-based research
Rate the researchers who have contributed to the dissemination and promotion of understanding of science and technology among the general public
Number of positive ratings (numbers of likes, retweets) of experts on social media
Government
Provide funding to universities to collaborate with citizens and other stakeholders in society
Publicise the information used in decision-making
Release ratio of the minutes of proceedings
Ensure the diversity of opinions within government and incorporate opinions from the outside during the policymaking process
Number of projects involving collaboration between industry, government, and academia
Research and Education
Experts do their utmost to gain the trust of society (maintaining expert logic)
Percentage of citizens going to humanities and social science researchers' events
The ratio of informed consent acquired from participants in studies involving people
Amount of community-based research
Number of informational sessions on study policies and outcomes
Number of opportunities for dialogue between researchers and research users
Number of personnel involved in ELSI-related research support and research strategy
Disclosure rate of researchers' profile pictures and career history on Researcher Map
Researchers recognise the social impact of their own research
Number of research grants that include mention in the research proposal/plan of the social impact of the research
Number of domestic institutions and experts with expertise in technology assessments
Media
Work with research and education institutions to scientifically authenticate its programs
The rate of supervision by specialist institutions in information, science, and politics programs
Judge and guarantee the quality of its own articles and writers with regard to scientific basis
A.2. Each actor is responsible for being smart about how they handle risk
Government
Prepare a multitude of worst-case scenario simulations and respond quickly to problems when they arise
Ask for the help of external institutions as part of the checking process
Discloses the drawbacks of policies
Research and Education
The research community engages in consideration of social and ethical aspects
Take responsibility and deal with problems caused by one's research results
Media
When the media reports science news, it communicates the news without exaggeration in conveying of its inherent uncertainty
Business Corporations
Immediately disclose information about major accidents or defects in products and services
Number of business corporation cases that require attention
Number of entries to the Good Business Corporation list
Have structures in place to protect whistle-blowers sounding the alarm about scientific fraud, such as the falsification of data and test results
A.3. Have systems and structures in place to prevent the threats caused by the abuse of science or pseudoscience
Citizens
Keep an eye out for suspicious scientific information
Number of science-related referrals to the online ombudsman
Government
Regulate the commercialisation of pseudoscience
Have measures in place to deal with harm caused by pseudoscience
Proportion of victims of pseudoscience who are eligible for compensation
Research and Education
Self-evaluate that disseminated information are done properly, and cross-check between experts and third-party that evaluations are conducted appropriately
Number of academic journals that have structures in place to review the social implications of research
Number of CITI Japan certificate holders
Educate others about the uncertainty and ethical aspects of science
Number of philosophy of science courses taken
University courses open to the public free of charge
Number of lectures on research impartiality in universities and other places
Number of references to uncertainty in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in science textbooks
Number of Science, Technology, and Social Studies (STS) programmes
Number of lessons implemented for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education
Number of lessons for statistics and data education
Media
Science-based reporting
Rate of information, science, and politics programmes supervised by specialist institutions
Quickly update incorrect science reports and circulate the correct information
Build a system of checks through self-help efforts to prevent the formation of a 'mood' or 'public opinion' based on suspect scientific information
Business Corporations
Communicate in a way that avoids misuse or misinterpretation by consumers
A.4. A user-friendly information system is established and used to support societies and individuals in decision-making and to ensure their rights to know
Citizens
Access to scientific information and evidence when necessary
Numbers of times public databases accessed
Numbers of times research papers accessed on open platforms
Numbers of times public libraries accessed
Make comprehensive judgments rather than just based on the results of a single study
Research and Education
Create a platform to share what science is currently capable of and what we know, and the positives and negatives when opinion is divided among experts
A.5. Citizens and society deal appropriately with abuse, misuse, and deviation in science (all people have scientific literacy)
Citizens
Pioneering consumers discover and popularise new ways of using technology
Understand the benefits and impact (negative aspects) of science in people's daily life, and be able to find appropriate solutions when problems (unforeseen situations) arise
Understand both the positive and negative aspects of the ethics and ideas of innovative research, and ask questions if there are issues
Rate of positive awareness among citizens concerning research failures Proportion of citizens who respect the benefits of research with understanding of the risks associated with research (e.g. personal information and human rights)
Research and Education
Researchers explain the current status of their research and its future social impact to citizens
The rate at which study findings are disclosed to the general public
Educate others about the concepts science has yet to understand, and specify the research failures associated with its uncertainty
Number of papers and data disclosed in repository
Number of public databases
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B. Anyone can enjoy science and innovation culture and be active as knowledgeable players
B.1. Being able to easily access knowledge and resources about science and innovation in daily life
Citizens
Have access to and derive enjoyment from scientific knowledge
Number of times online articles about popular science are accessed*
Sales numbers for popular science books and magazines
Total participation numbers at science cafés
Proportion of people who said they had 'enjoyed' events after attending them
Number of visitors to science museums*
Try to understand science and discover challenges
Number of participants in citizen science groups (measurement meetings, investigation committees, fossil excavation tours)
Number of people taking science tests
Number of science tests carried out by private organisations, etc.
Children enjoy science in their schools and local areas
The National Academic Achievement Survey ('Is science fun?')
TIMSS and PISA survey
Government
Provide facilities and opportunities for citizens to come into contact with science
Number of science museums
Number of zoos Number of museums
Promote open innovation and open science initiatives and releasing information
Proportion of research expenses for research incorporating open innovation and open science; number of open access journals
Amount of science-related open data
Number of universities and laboratories publishing letters aimed at citizens
Number of journals publishing abstracts aimed at citizens
Publication ratio of publicly-funded research results
Research and Education
Promote open innovation and open science initiatives and releasing information
Proportion of research expenses to research incorporating open innovation and open science; number of open access journals
Amount of science-related open data
Number of universities and laboratories publishing letters aimed at citizens
Number of journals publishing abstracts aimed at citizens
Publication ratio of publicly-funded research results
Set up events and occasions in schools to have fun with science
Number of events hosted by the science club
Number of schools displaying posters and objects that demonstrate how interesting and mysterious science is
Schools hosting science events
Widely broadcast information about one's own research and the wonder of science across society
Number of science-related citizen forums, WS hosted
Number of courses for citizens in universities
Amount of time top researchers appear in the media
Number of researchers who run websites to introduce their research fields to citizens and write in to magazines and newspapers in their local areas
Amount of active learning held at science museums
Number of science cafés held at science museums
Number of times TED talks are held each year in Japan
Media
Communicate how fun science is and introduce the work of researchers
Number of television programmes on which scientists and engineers appear
Proportion of researchers who write newspaper columns
Number of science events publicised on television programmes
Proportion of magazines that regularly run a page publicising science events
Number of science-themed manga (graphic novels)
Number of science-themed anime
Number of science programmes on television
Experts communicate science in an easily understandable way through the media
Number of celebrities who can explain science in an easily understandable way
Proportion of people in talent directories whose highest level of education is a PhD in the sciences
Business Corporations
Offer opportunities to experience science and innovation, such as by providing games and educational materials for people to gain knowledge of science and technology
Number of business corporations developing, selling, and exhibiting serious games and board games
Number of companies selling STEM educational materials
Number of business corporations providing on-site lessons
Number of science and innovation interactive facilities
Support their employees' science and innovation activities
B.2. Increase the number of creative places and spaces where people of different generations, expertise, and values can engage and exchange knowledge
Citizens
Take the lead and create opportunities in their local areas to engage in dialogue with researchers
Discuss science and technology in every sphere of life
Share things they have invented through the Internet and other platforms
Number of creative house shares, craftsman house shares, and fab labs
Government
Provide creative spaces where researchers, citizens, and government officials can interact and engage
Number of science events conducted through government sponsorship (science portal websites)
Research and Education
Create open spaces for dialogue between various actors, including but not limited to researchers
Percentage of universities with initiatives to encourage cultural festivals and other forms of academic exchange
Proportion of science events held by local areas and by research field
Provide practical education that teaches people about and encourages interaction with society
Number of design schools in universities
Lectures on education systems formed around citizen participation
Number of lectures themed around citizen science and citizen participation
University students independently search for science events being held so they can attend them
Number of university student participants at science events
Business Corporations
Increase the number of organisations hiring creative talent and give them the opportunity to thrive and move around freely between organisations
Turnover rate
Number of white-collar workers
Support the participation of citizens in innovation
Number of collaborations with citizens
Provide exciting, modern spaces
Number of idea banks
Amount of data registered in the idea banks
Provide spaces that increase interaction and casual collision within companies
Number of internal office bars
B.3. Citizens practice their own high-level intellectual and innovative activities
Citizens
Be able to work on inventions in their spare time
Number of people living in creative house shares and craftsman house shares
Number of DIYbio users Number of fab lab users
Put their skills to use in collaborative research with researchers
Number of community-based research initiatives
Number of discoveries, technological developments, and patent applications by citizens
Government
Provide incentives to encourage inventions
Percentage of academic papers that include authors who are unaffiliated with any university or (public/private) research institute
Percentage of people appearing in the acknowledgements of academic papers who are unaffiliated with any university of (public/private) research institute
Percentage of people who are eligible to apply for funding despite not being affiliated with a university or research institute
Research and Education
Provide education about practical citizen science and innovation
Number of domestic science shops and number of themes covered per year
Research community is receptive to citizens and other actors participating in research
Proportion of research involving citizen science
Promote open science and open innovation initiatives
Number of projects registered for crowdfunding, broken down by field
Media
Report a diverse range of research including citizen science and user-driven innovation
Number of programmes covering citizen science and user-driven innovation
Business Corporations
Support citizen participation in science and innovation
Amount of corporate investment in citizen science
Collaborate with citizens to innovate
Number of community-based research initiatives
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C. The expectations and concerns of citizens and experts' scientific advice are properly woven into the policymaking process
C.1. Citizens and scientists are concerned about and aware of their role regarding social problems, which they endeavour to solve
Citizens
Be active in specific initiatives to solve social problems and challenges, such as by getting involved with an NPO or community activity in their local area
Amount of crowdfunding for solving local area issues
Amount donated to NPOs
Number of citizens working with NPOs or getting involved in community work in their local area
Be interested in politics and local issues, which they unearth and seek out themselves
Viewing rate of televised Diet sessions
Size of audience at council meetings
Viewing rate of news programmes Turnout in elections (national and local governments)
Number of public comments submitted
Try to have the necessary literacy levels (both scientific and political) to solve social problems
Percentage of people with the requisite 21st Century skills
Average 'contemporary society' class scores
Do not stand in the way of initiatives to solve social problems for selfish reasons
Number of instances where nursery schools are not built due to local protests (negative indicator)
Research and Education
Provide education that helps improve scientific and political literacy
Experts convey information about local area issues and social challenges in a way that is intelligible for citizens
Media
Report on citizens' involvement in science and technology policy
Present policy-related information to citizens in a straightforward way
Report on grassroots feeling and initiatives
Business Corporations
Ensure diversity in employees' interests and specialist fields
Recognise their social responsibilities and work in a way that emphasises and uses scientific evidence
Create spaces to solve problems alongside researchers and citizens
C.2. Researchers and the research community are aware of their impact on society and offer appropriate scientific advice
Citizens
Scrutinise the details of scientific advice (personnel selection, process, disclosure method)
Government
Be transparent about how experts are selected and ensure diversity
Transparency indicator for selection of experts in governmental committees/councils (Duplications of members in different councils and duration of council sitting)
Having a database of experts
Government
Adopt a neutral and impartial position when receiving opinions from various organisations
Research and Education
Have rules in place (code of conduct) for how scientists should be involved in decision-making, and how scientific basis should be used in decision-making
Build communities according to research field to provide advice, ensuring the quality of scientific advice is high
Number of academic societies proposing policies
Build mechanisms for researchers from different fields to interact and come up with scientific advice
Researchers recognise the social and political challenges
Media
Report unbiased information that does not only reflect the opinions of a few researchers and areas of the community
Report the social impact of researchers and the research community, and widely communicate their scientific advice
Scrutinise whether scientific advice is appropriate and whether the selection of the researchers giving that advice is transparent
C.3. Structures are in place for citizens to form opinions and make decisions about policies
Citizens
Have an easy access to knowledge and information about (science) policy and the policymaking process
Number of times government agencies and local governments' websites are accessed
Take part in consensus meetings and discussion-based meetings to discuss policy issues and come up with policy proposals
Government
Communicate policy-related information in an intelligible way that meets citizens' needs
Diversity in policy inquiry channels
Level of government and local government presence on social media
Use new ways of gathering opinions rather than just relying on public opinion surveys to gauge the opinions of citizens across the spectrum, and reflect these in policy
Number of public opinion surveys carried out Necessity of methodologies that go beyond public opinion surveys
Put structures in place to support citizens' participation in the policymaking process, such as by hosting consensus meetings and discussion-based meetings and establishing regulations for citizens' participation in the policymaking process
Whether there are regulations relating to citizen participation
Provide the setting for citizens, experts, and the government to engage in dialogue
Number of dialogue initiatives
Emphasise the importance of citizen and NPO-based advocacy
Research and Education
Teach democracy and scientific literacy
Whether there is scientific literacy education in compulsory and higher education
Number of teachers who have received scientific literacy education
Number of 21st Century skill courses
Media
Make it essential to have people with scientific knowledge in the media
Number of employees/new graduates with advanced specialist education
Business Corporations
Provide services that support the integration of citizens' opinions, such as by having professional facilitators or consultants
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I. No regional gap in citizens' ability to enjoy the benefits of knowledge and culture
I.1. Structures are in place so citizens can enjoy the benefits of knowledge and culture
Citizens
Appreciate and support cultural property protection and conservation work
Have access to IT infrastructure
IT coverage rate by region
Regional IT infrastructure (Internet coverage rate, high-speed line coverage rate, etc.)
Have access to cultural assets
Number of visitors to educational facilities and science museums, by region
Have access to public facilities like gyms and libraries
Number of users of public facilities, by region
Have access to research results and data
Open access indicators, by region
Government
Maintain knowledge and cultural capital by actively protecting cultural assets (intangible cultural assets)
Distribute public science and technology investment fairly across the regions
Number of researchers by prefecture
Per prefecture R&D, proportion of R&D as part of total prefecture budget
Directly support regional research so it can become a local strength
Support the establishment of a common platform to enable access to knowledge from all regions
Offer open access to publicly funded research results and official government documents
Research and Education
Digitisation of textbooks and libraries and software advancement
Digitisation rate of textbooks
Digitisation rate of library materials
Provide the opportunity for people to choose a learning style suitable for them no matter where they live
Number of educators per pupil in primary and secondary schools, by region
Per prefecture population Super Science High School (SSH) ratio for primary and secondary schools, by region
Ratio and number of graduate school students, by region Number of established universities according to field, by region
Number of academic conferences held, by region
Abandon the unilateral education style in favour of more interactive and online education opportunities
Student-teacher ratio
Number of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Number of online classes offered by the Open University of Japan
Have the right mechanisms and environment to enable researchers to return to their old towns for research
Researchers' effort rate, by region
Media
Regional media such as local newspapers communicate the value of knowledge and culture to local residents
Amount of coverage and reporting of scientific topics in local newspapers
Business Corporations
Reduce the information gap between rural and urban areas
Collect information about and capitalise on locally born innovators, researchers, and government officials
Local businesses support local universities such as through collaborative research
Number of courses financially supported by local companies
Have the right system in place so that prospective or current employees from the local area can work without having to leave it
Number of provincial satellite offices Expenses for job hunting, by region
I.2. Unexpected connections with science as part of daily life
Citizens
Have unexpected encounters with science through various means in one's daily life
Number of science events held, by region
Diversity in science event themes, by region
Talk about science as part of one's daily life
Research and Education
Universities are open to citizens and society, such as by providing spaces for citizens to talk about science
Number of university courses open to citizens
Indicator showing how open universities are to society (number of study rooms that anybody can use)
Number of rate of science cafes and events
Media
Local newspapers and radio stations provide coverage of science
Number of science-themed manga
Number of science-themed anime
Number of science programmes on television
I.3. Local areas spread the word about knowledge and culture
Citizens
Appreciate diversity and uniqueness in their local area
Government
Build mechanisms to assess the creation of opportunities and building of networks to encourage the dissemination of regional knowledge and culture
Research and Education
Share knowledge and culture with the general public
Create opportunities and build networks in local areas
Media
Actively cover and report on companies, research institutes and citizen science in regional areas
Number of science programmes broadcast by local media
Business Corporations
Share company knowledge and culture
PR costs of knowledge and culture, by local area of company with branches in provincial areas
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II. Society has the systems and culture to boost and support new ventures
II.1. Do not fear failure; adopt a challenge mindset
Citizens
Have awareness of flexible thinking that does not have to obey common sense or customs
Escape from the mindset that nothing changes unless there is a crisis
Government
Make a government-led shift away from the fear-of-failure mindset
Number of innovative, locally-led town renewal projects
Take up the challenge of new government methods
Ordinance-designated cities lead the way in risk-taking (starting with the big ones)
Research and Education
Teach the entrepreneurial spirit
Abandon copycat education and culture in favour of nurturing the challenge mindset
Media
Report the truth of society without fear of restraint or special interests
Business Corporations
Proactively collaborate with different stakeholders from a range of fields of industries
Number of collaborative projects between companies and the general public, government, and other companies
II.2. Structures and climate to keep up with diverse challenges
Citizens
Accept failures, try again, and go for other new ventures
Number of remarks that support risk-taking by leaders at various levels
Government
Build creative spaces where different ventures can be shared and respected
Number of incubation facilities
Number of institutions matching ideas and human resources
Number of research programmes that funded for their ideas
Build mechanisms that allow risk-taking
Have mechanisms in place to support different experiments by venture capital and angel investors
Number of venture capitalists and angel investors
Research and Education
Evaluate basic research with nebulous results (return to society, etc.) from a variety of angles
Number of research teams with researchers from different fields (quantifying collaboration with people from other fields and other countries)
Evaluate off-campus social activity
Number of community-based research initiatives
Have schemes in place to invest in interesting ideas and innovations
Numbers of projects accessing crowdfunding
Number of Ig Nobel Prize winners
Change evaluation systems that are unsuitable for experimental ventures because they are so institutionalised
Number of approved projects
Media
Abandon the media's attitude of criticising failures in favour of reporting positively on people trying new things, such as by reporting on the process of such ventures and following-up on their progress afterwards
Business Corporations
Create an environment where people's results are recognised and they feel highly motivated in their work, one that is not bound by old customs like seniority systems
Emphasise the importance of and capitalise on the expertise of highly professional human resources
Have the right structure, mechanisms, and management system to accept things that 'disturb' the internal status quo, such as mid-career recruitment and study-abroad programmes
Number of individuals studying abroad
Create mechanisms to support internal experimental ventures, such as internal entrepreneurialism and internal ventures
Number of creative offices introduced (example of introduction) Proportion of creative investment as part of indirect expenses
Number of internal company ventures
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III. Society that accepts diversity and allows citizens to enjoy life
III.1. An environment where people can make the most of their abilities without innate discrimination on the basis of sex, physical ability, age, or nationality
Citizens
Recognise the existence of discrimination but do not practise it
Gender gap indicator
Incidence rate of harassment cases
Paralympics viewing ratings
Effort recognition survey
Have the courage to criticise people who discriminate against others
Have the mindset that children should be allowed to make the most of their abilities regardless of the environment in which they were born and raised
Correlation between parental and child's income
Child poverty rate
Government
Have in place a system that makes room for disadvantaged children, no matter their nationality or race
Number of child adoptions
Number of immigrants
Create an environment where social minorities can work and live free from discrimination
Percentage of toilets accessible to anyone
Rate of barrier-free venues and facilities
Number of Paralympics-related events
Research and Education
Create an environment where social minorities can work without discrimination
Rate of barrier-free research institutes
Support students so they can decide for themselves if they will continue with education or enter employment
State school tuition fees
Percentage of students going on to high school or university (by region and class)
Provide education to encourage understanding of social minorities and prevent discrimination
Number of references to discrimination in textbooks
Number of educational examples related to LGBT
Create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact with other
Ratio of state schools and schools for children with special needs within the school system
Percentage of established special support classes in state schools
Media
Do not ignore discrimination; report it
Fill in information gaps
Provide equal and fair media coverage of voices from the majority and minority
Provide coverage of the activities of social minorities
Number of television programmes on the Paralympic Games
Business Corporations
Support people with disabilities to flourish in society
At-home income/part-time employment ratio
Number of companies sponsoring the Paralympic Games
Paralympics sponsorship fees
Have an employment system in place that allows social minorities (those with physical disabilities or who are LGBT) to work free from discrimination
III.2. Respect for diverse lifestyles and working styles
Citizens
Understand and respect different lifestyles and ways of working
Rate of self-affirmation
Diversity of nationalities, languages, and religion in local areas
Levels of familiarity with discrimination issues
Hours spent by men caring for children and doing housework
Percentage of dual-income households
Government
Encourage flexible career paths
Institute an environment that makes it easy for households with children to work
Number of childcare facilities per capita
Number of children on the waiting list for childcare facilities
Research and Education
Present a variety of career paths
Number of working adult students
Abandon fixed role models
Provide education suitable to children of different sensitivities
Number of children and pupils receiving personalised education
Institute an environment where researchers with children can devote themselves to their work
Rate of childcare (facilities) provided at academic institutes
Rate of childcare (facilities) provided at research institutes
Media
Make programmes that reinforce support for diverse lifestyles and ways of working
Business Corporations
Support employees caring for children
Percentage of men taking paternity leave
Institute systems and technology that support work sharing and ways of working away from specific locations
Employ people from different backgrounds rather than sticking to new graduates
Percentage of mid-career recruits (non-graduates)
Break away from organisation cultures based on single values through management schemes and networking with diverse business circles
Number of business cards exchanged by employees
III.3. Guaranteed and stable basic living standards (food, clothing, housing, public welfare, wages)
Citizens
Participate in initiatives to reduce community inequality such as by volunteering or fundraising
Measure of Gini coefficient
Relative poverty rate
High quality of life and high levels of satisfaction with life
Average hours slept per night
Levels of happiness
Median wage
Government
Substantial welfare system
Presence and quality of social insurance system
Optimise the distribution of taxes across society
Media
Accurately communicate the information people need to know in their daily lives
Business Corporations 1 Institute systems that guarantee a sufficient quality of life for employees, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time workers
III.4. Guaranteed work-life balance
Citizens
Reduce work-based stress
Suicide rate Average commuting time
Reject the notion that long working hours are good; work efficiently instead
Have time for side businesses, contributing to society, conversation, and creative pursuits
After-work activities
Money spent on leisure
Number of trips taken per year
Number of films watched per year
Number of books read per year
Number of people using parks/creation facilities
Number of visitors to science and other museums per year
Government
Strengthen crackdowns on companies with excessive overtime
Number of companies with excessive overtime
Media
Avoid reporting in a way that glorifies long working hours
Business Corporations
Institute fair working hours
Number of working hours
Number of rest days spent working
Average overtime hours
Night-time/holiday electricity usage
Emphasise the importance of employees' happiness, including taking time off and their right to a private life
Number of companies that allow three or more consecutive days off
Number of companies that establish paid-holidays, specific to entertainment purposes
Encourage employees to complete their work within the scheduled working time rather than going into overtime
Institute generous support systems for employees giving birth or who need to provide childcare or nursing care, regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time
Number of support systems instituted
Disclosure rate of records of proceedings, by region
Indicator showing how open universities are to society (number of study rooms that anybody can use)
Hours of media coverage of discrimination issues
Ratio of companies charged with selling scientifically unproven products