SDGsと文理融合の公共政策学

This paper first introduces a humanities–science fusion initiative (i.e., lectures on Science, Technology, and Innovation policy, and a case study course on public policies made up of various kinds of expertise) in which I have been engaged at the Hokkaido University Public Policy School. Subsequently, the STI governance structure, the risk assessment/management, and the communication connecting science and politics are discussed to illustrate the significance of trans-disciplinary respectful cooperation. Moreover, I assess the prospects of public policy (studies) in the post-COVID-19 period, after reviewing the history of international development since the United Nations Development Decade in the 1960s, which consequently led to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), as well as the trans-disciplinary trials and errors needed to achieve them. When policy resources are not very abundant, the importance of political decisions (i.e., proper prioritization) and specialized planning (i.e., efficient and effective implementation) involving various stakeholders cannot be stressed enough, and there is a need for global and trans-disciplinary knowledge stocking and sharing to achieve SDGs. Ambitious SDGs that set and share common major aims will hopefully lead to collaboration, which will in turn give rise to the creation of multi-level partnerships. Universities can contribute to such collaboration through their diligent and steady education and research.