The number of researchers in higher education in Japan is expected to gradually increase from 344.75 thousand in 2024 to 352.91 thousand by 2028. This represents a consistent year-on-year growth, suggesting a positive trend in the research sector. Over the past two years, we observed an average annual growth rate close to 1%, projecting a steady expansion that aligns with the broader five-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

Looking ahead, a few trends warrant attention:

Increased government investment in technological research and innovation, potentially boosting researcher numbers.
Collaborations with international institutions, enhancing research capacities and global engagement.
Potential challenges in workforce recruitment due to demographic changes, which could influence future growth rates.