Govt to Support Universities in 17 Strategic Fields to Boost Human Resources Development

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:00 JST, April 26, 2026

The government plans to support universities in 17 strategic fields under a soon-to-be finalized reform plan for human resource development aimed at strengthening the economy.

As a key pillar, the government plans to establish a system to certify universities with strong research capabilities in the 17 fields, which have been advocated by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration, and provide support over the mid- and long term.

The draft will be presented at a meeting of the human resource development subcommittee of the Council for Japan’s Growth Strategy on Monday.

The fields, which include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology and shipbuilding, have been selected for intensive public-private investment.

The draft highlights common challenges across these fields, such as a shortage of human resources in the science, engineering and digital fields, which have the potential to create new value. To address the challenges, the draft stresses the need to reform human resource development from high school through to university and graduate school.

As specific measures, the draft promotes a university-corporate partnership program that provides education tailored to practical needs. It also lays out a plan to develop adult education programs at universities and other institutions to promote reskilling.

To push for reforms in high school education that respond to societal changes, the draft states that the government will consider establishing new financial support mechanisms, such as grants, in the fiscal 2027 budget proposal.

It also calls for promoting the establishment of public kosen colleges of technology, of which there are currently only three.