TOKYO, October 15, 2024 — Dr. Peter Gruss, former president of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, urges Japan to boost public R&D funding to regain global leadership. While Japan excels in incremental innovation, it lags in high-risk, breakthrough technologies. Dr. Gruss compares Japan’s decline in competitiveness to China and the U.S., emphasizing the need for stronger academic-industry collaboration, venture capital, and startup growth. He calls for increased R&D investment and attracting global talent to revitalize Japan’s economy and create millions of high-tech jobs. Jesper Koll, chair of policy committee at Asia Society Japan, hosts the program. (1 hr., 18 min.)