Photo/Illutration The Science Council of Japan holds a general meeting in 2021. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The government is moving toward turning the Science Council of Japan into a nongovernmental organization.

Regardless of its organizational structure, the council can only contribute to the nation if it maintains solid independence, which must not be undermined in any way.

A panel of experts that has discussed the restructuring of the Science Council has drafted an interim report. The Cabinet Office has decided on a basic policy toward incorporating the council in line with the proposals made in the report, prioritizing transparency and governance.

The report envisions an organization comprising the nation’s leading scientists that will continue to advise the government while being highly independent of the government in activities and management.

However, becoming a corporation separated from the government doesn't necessarily enhance independence. The Cabinet Office’s basic policy, under the guise of governance, might restrict the council’s freedom.

The problematic elements of the policy include setting up a selection advisory committee to hear opinions from external experts during the council's member selection process; establishing an operation advisory committee with external members constituting a majority: appointing an auditor by a minister in charge to audit the council’s operations and finances; appointing an evaluation committee of external experts by the minister to evaluate the council’s operations and management.

With so many organizations overseeing the council, how can it secure its independence and autonomy?

The proposed system of vigorous monitoring and strict oversight could also hinder the process of the government and the Science Council building mutual trust. So far, it is hard to believe that they have carefully or constructively discussed the matter.

The series of issues that have strained the bilateral ties and led to this policy initiative originated from former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's refusal to appoint six council member candidates, prompting the government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to shift the debate and propose council reforms.

The ruling camp tried to strengthen government involvement in the council’s management and operation while keeping it a national institution. Still, it was forced to abandon the plan due to strong opposition from the council, leading to the establishment of the expert panel.

The Cabinet Office has promised to proceed with considering legislation for reforms while listening to the Science Council, which, despite its doubts about the government’s proposal, intends to have talks with the Cabinet Office over the blueprint.

The government should engage in discussions with the Science Council in a serious effort to dispel mutual distrust and concerns. This is crucial for establishing operational and management systems that enable the council to fulfill its role.

To ensure the formulation of dynamic and flexible proposals for dealing with current issues related to the reorganization, it is essential to strengthen the council’s secretariat and expand the budget.

The Science Council should put forth specific proposals on the organizations, systems and funds that it will need to fulfill its mission and role for constructive discussions with the government. It also needs to strive to publish more valuable comments, opinions and proposals for the public to make its presence felt.

The Cabinet Office also calls for broadening and diversifying the council’s financial bases. However, securing the necessary operating funds through donations or commissioned proposals is difficult.

Forcing the council to depend mainly on independent funding sources could weaken the organization, leading to a counterproductive outcome.

Respecting academia helps policymakers face inconvenient truths, avoid selfishness, and maximize overall happiness and well-being.

In the final analysis, simply making the council comply with the short-term interests of the government and the industrial sector will benefit neither the political nor business communities.

Nor will this approach help the council genuinely contribute to the nation.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 26

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