Implementing Open Innovation in the Public Sector:
The Case of Challenge.gov
Support Facility for the Implementation of the
EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA)
EU-JAPAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (SPA)
The EU-Japan SPA, which provisionally entered into force on 1 February 2019, is a comprehensive agreement between the European Union (EU), its Member States and Japan based on shared values and guiding principles such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedom.
The SPA is unique:
It is a legally binding agreement
It provides legal foundation for bilateral cooperation
It promotes global standards and values
CROSS-CUTTING PRIORITIES
The SPA establishes 40 areas of mutual interest between the European Union and Japan. Peace and Security, Environment and Energy, New Technologies and Innovation and Social Affairs and People- to People Exchanges are considered cross-cutting priorities.
As like-minded global partners, the EU and Japan have a shared commitment towards achieving peace, prosperity and human security. They are resolved to work closely to address global challenges that include crisis situation, disarmament, terrorism, cyber issues, maritime affairs and judicial cooperation.
PEACE AND SECURITY
The shaping of the digital future is one of the most important issues in the EU and Japan. The SPA consequently contains relevant articles about the shared interest in enhancing cooperation on science, technology and innovation, including outer space. The SPA contains clear references to key issues in electronic communications, including internet governance and online safety.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATON
The SPA puts the EU and Japan in the forefront of environmental protection. The EU and Japan must take the lead in combating climate change and its adverse effects, working in close coordination in international organisations working in close coordination in energy, sustainable agriculture, forestry and fishery resources.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Japan and the EU will work together on challenges in areas such as urbanisation, empleoyment, migration and health, including those arising from demographic dynamics and pandemics. A variety of exchanges in culture, tourism, higher education, youth and sports will also be promoted and enhanced.
SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES
SUPPORT FACILITY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EU-JAPAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The European Union launched the Support Facility in 2019 to contribute to the effective implementation of the SPA, including strengthened cooperation in selected policy areas of EU-Japan mutual interest. The project aims to enhance awareness, understanding and transparency of the EU-Japan SPA amongst stakeholders and the general public, to support the EU-Japan policy dialogues, to promote the participation of a wide variety of stakeholders, and to align legislative and policy approaches in areas of mutual interest, including by implementing joint EU-Japan initiatives.
Completed projects
Expert workshop on Maritime Security and Defence Capabilities
EU-Japan Webinar Series on COVID-19
EU-Japan Joint Workshop on ICT Strategies
Expert workshop on Maritime Security and Defence Capabilities
HOW IT WORKS AND
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
The initiatives to be promoted are usually identified in the context of High-Level Sector Dialogues and EU-Japan bilateral talks, which take place on a regular basis. The activities are a response to the priorities and mutual interests of the EU and Japan, and they involve both the EU Directorates General and their Japanese counterparts in a proactive way.
The SPA aims to involve a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Public entities, private businesses, civil society organisations and academics with connections to EU–Japan relations are encouraged to participate in the activities and propose new potential initiatives aligned with the priorities and shared interests of the EU and Japan.