Minerva Policy Reports: Call for Expert Proposals - July 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 24 September 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 (with possible areas of analysis): 

• Japan’s Standardisation System:
  • Important things to know when accessing the Japanese market, key actors in setting and implementing standards (industry, JISC, METI).
  • International standardisation: Degree of alignment with international standards, cooperation at regional level and international level, coverage of standards in trade agreements.
  • EU-Japan Cooperation: Experience of Japanese industry in the European Standardisation System (CEN, CENELEC, ETSI) and level of engagement; Review the effectiveness and use of existing EU-Japan mutual recognition agreements and scope for improvement. Case studies/Interviews of European companies in relation to Japanese standards.
  • Recommendations for EU-Japan cooperation
• Space Industry Ecosystem in Japan
  • Identify existing case studies of successful EU-Japan industrial partnerships in the Space Sector and analyse possible factors underpinning their success;
  • Analyse the current policy framework and priority pillars on EU-Japan Cooperation in Space in the context of mutually enhancing competitiveness and innovation;
  • Analyse possible cooperation under public procurement in Japan as well as R&D cooperation in the context of Japan’s agreement in Horizon Europe and other funding tools;
  • Analyse the impact of innovation cooperation in upstream and downstream Space industry sectors and the role of start-ups (identify case studies and best practices in the segment of access to space);
  • Analyse the impact of current EU-Japan cooperation in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) and future potential opportunities (identify case studies in successful Galileo-QZSS cooperation, lessons learnt and possible expansion of cooperation);

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: 24 September 2026
2. Selection results: mid-October
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.