Japan Takes Bold Steps to Increase PhD Graduates and Reverse Postgraduate Decline
In an effort to combat a concerning decline in the number of PhD holders in Japan, the Japanese government has unveiled ambitious plans to not only halt the downward trend but triple the number of PhD graduates by 2040. This initiative comes as Japan stands out as the only major economy to have experienced a decrease in PhD numbers since 2000. With 14,382 new PhD admissions in 2022, a 21% drop from the peak of 18,232 in 2003, Japan is facing a critical shortage of doctoral talent.
As a proportion of the population, Japan lags behind other leading research countries in terms of PhD holders. According to Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP), in 2020, the country had 123 PhD graduates per million people, significantly lower than the rates in Germany (315 per million), the United Kingdom (313 per million), and the United States (285 per million).
A survey conducted by NISTEP in 2021 shed light on the challenges faced by doctoral students in Japan, including financial instability, career uncertainties, and a lack of progression opportunities. To address these issues, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) unveiled a comprehensive three-pillared plan in March with a focus on enhancing career prospects, providing institutional support, and expanding outreach for PhD students. The government aims to instigate a cultural shift that elevates the status of PhD holders in Japanese society.
Diversifying Career Opportunities for Doctoral Candidates
One of the key pillars of the government’s initiative is to diversify career options for doctoral candidates, encouraging them to explore research opportunities beyond academia. This includes roles in local and central government, start-up companies, and other private-sector organizations. In Japan, obtaining a PhD has traditionally been viewed as a limiting factor in securing employment, with companies often perceiving PhD holders as overly specialized and inflexible.
To address this perception, MEXT plans to promote long-term, paid internships for PhD students in the private sector, aiming to break down barriers and expand career horizons. The ministry has introduced initiatives like the Cooperative Education Through Research Internships program, which pairs doctoral researchers with companies and offers paid internships eligible for academic credit. By fostering collaborations between universities and industry partners, MEXT hopes to increase the number of PhD candidates participating in these internships to 5,000 by 2030.
Enhancing Institutional Support for PhD Students
In addition to diversifying career opportunities, MEXT is committed to improving the quality of graduate schools by providing additional funding and monitoring their progress. Through initiatives like the Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (SPRING) scheme and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science’s Research Fellowship for Young Scientists program, the government aims to alleviate financial burdens for doctoral students and enable them to pursue innovative research.
Tomokazu Iwabuchi, a PhD student in urban planning at Kyushu University, highlights the significance of financial support for doctoral candidates in Japan. After facing challenges balancing part-time work with his master’s program, Iwabuchi now benefits from the SPRING program, which provides stipends for living expenses, research costs, and tuition fees. With this support, Iwabuchi has been able to focus on his research and even launch his own consulting business rooted in urban planning and geographic information system (GIS) data.
Motivating Doctoral Students Through Outreach Programs
The third pillar of Japan’s strategy focuses on boosting student motivation through outreach programs that showcase the appeal of pursuing a PhD. Events like the Future Doctoral Festival bring together doctoral students to present their research and engage in discussions with industry leaders and policymakers. While these initiatives aim to inspire prospective PhD candidates, there is a growing recognition of the need to address mental health challenges, particularly among international students who may struggle with language barriers and feelings of isolation.
Ranny Herdiantoputri, a doctoral student in oral pathology at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, emphasizes the importance of providing adequate support for students experiencing imposter syndrome and anxiety. Despite the opportunities presented by outreach programs, Herdiantoputri points out the limited prospects for teaching positions at public universities in Japan, prompting her to consider returning to her home country after completing her degree.
Challenges and Opportunities in Transforming Japan’s Research Culture
While Japan’s efforts to increase the number of PhD graduates and reshape its research landscape are commendable, there are significant challenges that must be overcome. Koichi Sumikura, a researcher specializing in science and technology policy, underscores the need for a shift in industry mindset to recognize the broader skills and perspectives that PhD holders bring. By focusing on equipping doctoral students with not only academic expertise but also communication skills and business acumen, Japan can better prepare them for diverse career paths.
Nobuko Kobayashi, who advocates for entrepreneurship opportunities for PhD holders, emphasizes the importance of universities fostering innovation and practical applications of research. With a rising number of start-ups emerging from Japanese universities and showing a willingness to hire PhD graduates, there is a growing potential for doctoral students to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
As Japan embarks on this ambitious journey to revitalize its postgraduate education system and elevate the status of PhD holders, the road ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities. While the success of these initiatives remains to be seen, the commitment to supporting doctoral students, expanding career pathways, and fostering a research culture that values innovation and collaboration is a step in the right direction. By empowering the next generation of researchers and innovators, Japan aims to secure a brighter future for its scientific community and society as a whole.