Minerva Policy Reports: Call for Expert Proposals on Defence

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 July 31st, 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 candidates will be invited to participate in individual video calls with the selection board, as part of the evaluation process for the proposal demonstrating the best value for money. 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 

Topic

• Potential for EU-Japan industrial and innovation cooperation in the Defence value-chain.

To be included in the analysis:

• Presentation of the current and latest policy and regulatory development in the sector in Japan and at the EU level;
• Mapping of EU and Japan’s defence industries respective strengths and gaps. Challenges and Support to defence SMEs in the value chain;
• Identification of major players and key technologies along the value-chain (including associations, trading houses and research bodies);
• Overview and assessment of commonalities as well as risks faced by Japanese and European defence industries (e.g. in the area of supply chains, regulatory aspects, market access, international cooperation etc;
• Cybersecurity challenges;
• Priorities in view of Economic Security.

The methodology should include desk-research combined with interviews of key actors along the value-chain from both Japan and the EU. The final report should provide actionable recommendations such as proposals for bilateral initiatives and measures to increase industrial cooperation.

Report Structure

1. Executive Summary:
   • A concise text outlining the primary findings and policy recommendations.
   • A draft executive summary will be requested upon reception of the interim report, with a final version of (minimum) 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 utilised 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.

The final report should not exceed 60 pages, excluding annexes and references.

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: 31st July 2025
2. Selection results: Evaluation of the proposals in early August, followed by meetings with the shortlisted candidates. Early September experts start working on the report.
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.