Fostering Science, Technology, and Innovation Talent in Asia-Pacific: Insights from Asia and Pacific Research Center, Japan Science and Technology Agency

A look at key strategies for developing human resources in science, technology, and innovation

TOKYO, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a key player in global economic growth and technological innovation. Countries like China, Singapore, and South Korea have made substantial investments in human resources for science, technology, and innovation (STI) to strengthen their standing on the global stage.

A recent series of reports by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, published by its Asia and Pacific Research Center (APRC), provide a comprehensive analysis of the strategies employed by these nations to nurture and develop STI talents.

China, surpassing RMB 3 trillion R&D investments by 2022, remains a dominant force. Its focus on developing high-level STI talents is evident in its growing pool of post-doctoral and graduate students, with 11.58 million new graduates in 2023. As outlined in the 14^th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), China remains focused on attracting high-level STI talents, with goals to enhance the quality of its scientific and technological workforce. Despite these strategies, challenges persist, including 21.3% youth unemployment rate in June 2023 and a growing brain drain with professionals seeking opportunities abroad; the nation has continued to attract global talent through initiatives like the Thousand Talents Plan and the Enlightenment Plan. "China's human resource development projects are likely to respond to these emerging challenges, with flexible policymaking and strategic planning playing key roles in the nation's future STI development," says APRC.

South Korea prioritizes science and technology, with its constitution mandating government support. By allocating an R&D expenditure of 100 trillion won, the country focuses on strengthening its global competitiveness by nurturing both local and international talent. Initiatives like the "BRAIN POOL" project and updated visa policies attract foreign researchers, while public-private partnerships like "contract department" initiatives further support human resource development. "Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea has sustained its international student recruitment activities, maintaining student numbers," explains APRC.

Singapore's inclusive policies attract both foreign and female researchers, creating a competitive research environment. Since the early 2010s, the government initiatives have nurtured domestic talent, encouraged overseas education, and supported the return of Singaporean professionals. The National University of Singapore (NUS) plays a leading role in fostering industry collaborations and driving the nation's technological progress. Flexible labor policies and educational reforms have helped develop a skilled and diverse STI workforce.

"The Asia-Pacific region is making significant strides in nurturing talent in STI. Through strategic investments, targeted policies, and strong public-private collaborations, countries like China, South Korea, and Singapore are building a robust talent pipeline that supports technological advancements and strengthens their positions as key players in the global STI landscape," concludes APRC.

Reference

Strategies for Nurturing and Supporting STI Talents in China
https://sj.jst.go.jp/publications/researchreports/index.html#fy23_rr03_en
Research on Nurturing and Maintaining STI talents in South Korea
https://sj.jst.go.jp/publications/researchreports/index.html#fy22_rr05_en
Research on the Nurturing and Maintaining of STI Talent in Singapore
https://sj.jst.go.jp/publications/researchreports/index.html#fy22_rr02_en

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SOURCE Japan Science and Technology Agency, Asia and Pacific Research Center