The Minerva Policy Reports deliver comprehensive research on the dynamic political, economic, and industrial relations between the European Union (EU) and Japan, with the goal of providing policymakers, academics, and industry leaders with in-depth analysis and strategic perspectives on the most prominent policy issues facing the EU and Japan.

The reports draw on a wealth of data, stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis to offer actionable insights. The Minerva Policy Reports aim not only to chart the course of current EU-Japan policy trends, but also to present possible future trends and potential areas of cooperation.

For past Minerva reports see the following page: https://www.eu-japan.eu/minerva-policy-reports

Call for Experts proposal 2025

The EU-Japan Centre is currently calling for expert report proposals. The deadline for submission is May 5, 2025. Reports are expected to use the latest information available at the time of submission. Additionally, it is also important to check that contributions have undergone thorough proofreading prior to submission to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Shortlisted experts will take part in an individual video call with the selection board, made up of EU-Japan Centre and DG GROW representatives. The call will allow the experts to pitch their report proposal and the selection board to give its feedback and expectations for the project. The final decision on which experts to contract will be made after the call.

Your proposal must include details of:

The expert:

• Full contact details of each expert
• CV(s)
• Proof of expertise
• List of publications by the Author(s)

The work / deliverables:

• Table of Contents
• Methodology to be used
• Expected time of publication

The Fee

• Please state the expected fee in EUR €, excluding VAT. Payment will be made after delivery of the final report.

The Delivery

• Within 6 months of sending the proposal 

List of topics

• Overview of Japan’s innovation ecosystems, key actors, and support measures for startups/scaleups at national level and at prefecture/ local level.  
• Mapping of EU and Japan’s respective strengths in the hydrogen value-chain, identification of major players along the value chain and the potential for EU-Japan cooperation.
• Analysis of the European and Japanese robotics supply chains in terms of dependencies and competitive advantages. Opportunities of cooperation between the EU and Japan. This project should be targeted and should build on the very recent new study on the robotics market in Japan supported by the EU-Japan Centre and also the JRC study (JRC). The focus should be on the supply chains and not a description of the EU/Japan market.
• Potential of EU-Japan cooperation in the solar value chain,  including a mapping of EU and Japan’s respective strengths and identification of major players along the value chain.
• Potential of EU-Japan cooperation in the area of green steel,  including a mapping of EU and Japan’s respective strengths and approaches (including definitions), as well as identification of major players along the value chain.
• Analysis of Japan’s position in emerging / breakthrough technologies and possible complementarities / competition with EU players. The report should build on EU’s EMI tool.

Report Structure

1. Executive Summary:
   • A concise text outlining the primary findings and policy recommendations.
   • A draft executive summary of 4 pages will be requested upon reception of the interim report, with a final version of 4 pages (including relevant graphs/charts) to be submitted alongside the final report
2. Introduction:
   • A statement of the report’s objectives and its relevance to current EU-Japan relations.
   • Contextual political and economic background
3. Methodology:
   • A description of the research methods and analytical processes utilized to compile the report.
4. Main Body:
   • Divided into sections and subsections, each addressing specific aspects of the topic.
5. Recommendations:
   • Strategic policy suggestions based on the report's findings, with potential pathways for implementation.
6. Conclusion:
   • A summary of the report’s insights and the projected impact on future EU-Japan collaborations.
7. References:
   • A comprehensive list of sources.

Webinar

The Expert will participate in a Webinar organised by the EU-Japan Centre within six months of the report’s publication. The format and timing of the event will be agreed between the Centre and the expert in due course.

Key dates

1. Deadline for proposal: 05th May 2025
2. Selection results: beginning of June
3. Final Report: Exact dates will be fixed with each expert after selection
4. Webinar: within six months of the Report’s publication.

Submission of the proposal

The proposal should be sent by email to Mishel Reali - m.reali@eu-japan.eu.

We look forward to receiving your proposals!

All applicants shall declare promptly any potential Conflict of Interests^[1] and agree to sign a related declaration if required to do so.
^[1] A conflict of interests arises when reasons involving economic interest, political or national affinity, family or emotional ties or any other shared interest or circumstances may affect the impartial and objective nature of a process or duty.