Minerva Policy Reports: Call for Expert Proposals - 2026

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 2026

The EU-Japan Centre is currently calling for expert report proposals. The deadline for submission is 03 May 2026. 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. 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 following, in order:

1. The work / deliverables:

• Table of Contents - please be as detailed as possible, adding also brief chapter outlines beyond bullet points
• Methodology to be used
• Expected time of publication: within 6 months after the signature of the contract

2. The Fee

• Please state the expected fee in EUR €, excluding VAT. Payment will be made after delivery of the final report
• Please provide your VAT number (mandatory)

3. The expert:

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

List of topics

• 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.
• Energy Security in Japan: An assessment of how energy security is being redefined in increasingly electrified and decarbonised systems (beyond fossil fuel dependency, and also beyond hydrogen). Opportunities for European industries in Japan. 
• The JP standardisation system, recent standardisation policies, international role and implications, impact for EU businesses.
• Japan’s bioeconomy and biotech ecosystems; recent policy developments and opportunities of collaboration between governments as well as between European and Japanese businesses.
• Japan’s Space Industrial ecosystem and ambitions: Overview of recent EU-Japan cooperation and areas for enhanced policy and industrial engagement.  

Report Structure

1. Executive Summary:
   • A concise text outlining the primary findings and policy recommendations.
   • A draft executive summary of 4 pages to be submitted alongside the interim report, with a final version of 4 pages (including relevant graphs/charts) 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:
   • Please use the Chicago referencing system (footnotes that include name and date of source, plus the URL)
   • The comprehensive list of sources listed as bibliography.

Webinar

As part of the project, 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: 03 May 2026
2. Selection results: Mid-May
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

Please click here to submit your application.
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.