In Japan, the number of researchers in higher education is expected to decline gradually from 2024 to 2028. Forecast data indicates a steady decrease in full-time equivalent researchers, from 127.56 thousand in 2024 to 124.51 thousand in 2028. When assessing the trend from 2023 to 2028, the average annual decline rate is reflected in a negative CAGR. This steady drop signals a contraction in research personnel within Japan’s higher education sector, a continuation of the trend from previous years.
Future trends to watch for may include increased reliance on automation and digital tools, shifting research funding landscapes, and demographic impacts affecting workforce availability in academia, potentially influencing future researcher numbers and roles.
