German–Japanese Exchange on Innovation Policy and Early-Career Support at acatech

Berlin, 18 December 2025

How can innovation policy, science-based advice, and international early-career support be effectively aligned? At a German–Japanese exchange in Berlin, acatech – German Academy of Science and Engineering and the Engineering Academy of Japan discussed shared perspectives—placing particular emphasis on strengthening bilateral formats such as the Japan–Germany Frontiers of Engineering Symposium (JAGFOE).

On 18 December 2025, acatech welcomed representatives of the Engineering Academy of Japan and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, a governmental funding and strategic organization for science, technology, and innovation, to an informal exchange in Berlin. Discussions between Henning Kagermann, Hiroshi Nagano (Engineering Academy of Japan), and Tomoko Sawada (Japan Science and Technology Agency) focused on science-based policy advice, the further development of national innovation systems, and perspectives for German–Japanese cooperation.

A particular emphasis was placed on supporting early-career researchers and on international exchange formats. In this context, the Japan–Germany Frontiers of Engineering Symposium (JAGFOE) was highlighted as a platform that offers young researchers from Germany and Japan a structured space for interdisciplinary dialogue, networking, and the initiation of collaborative ideas. The symposium exemplifies the shared commitment of both academies to strengthening bilateral exchange not only strategically, but also in concrete and sustainable ways.

The exchange reaffirmed acatech’s role as an independent actor at the interface of science, industry, and policy, as well as a common understanding that international partnerships—especially with Japan—should be further deepened considering global transformation and competitive dynamics, with a clear focus on the next generation of researchers.