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Nature 443, 734-735 (19 October 2006) | doi:10.1038/443734b; Published online 18 October 2006

Open Innovation Challenges

Japan's new premier chases innovation

Ichiko Fuyuno

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Prime minister breaks with tradition to appoint scientist as special adviser.

In a departure from tradition, Japan's new prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has appointed a vocal supporter of science, Kiyoshi Kurokawa, as his special adviser. The two men promise to reform dramatically Japan's rigid structures of scientific education, funding and decision-making, in order to boost technology and innovation in the country.