From Japanese entrepreneurs and experts on EU funds to institutions and research networks, panellists at Next Japan Generation EU discussed cross-border cooperation at various levels to commemorate the signature of the EPA – and the SPA – three years ago. This framework, which is based on a longstanding cooperation of two like-minded regions, translates into important advancements in areas other than trade, such as education, research, and the environment.

The webinar was held within the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2021 as climate change and sustainable energies are one of the key areas Japan and the EU are committed to address. Panellists discussed projects dealing with sustainable energy – such as a start-up's innovative battery – or cross-border and mobility research programmes enabling to exchange and blossom innovative ideas – such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. In this sense, Startup Europe Awards (SEUA), an open innovation methodology set up by the European Commission and implemented by Finnova, can prompt public-private partnerships to attain the European Green Deal goals and SDGs.
Although major achievements have been made, further upgrade and enhancement of EU-Japan cooperation remains crucial. The new challenges the 21st century poses offer a new opportunity to strengthen the links of both regions. Innovation, entrepreneurship, stronger business alliances and making the EPA a ‘living agreement’ will play an instrumental role in meeting their shared goals.
Finnova’s interest in EU-Japan cooperation stems from the commitment of one Japanese student who has benefited from an EU-funded mobility scheme and his determination to launch a Japan Startup Europe Awards edition.

The webinar is available at Finnova Foundation’s Youtube channel.