Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > FY2003 White Paper on Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology >Part1 Reference Higher Education Reform Q&A? Question1-5

National universities play a central role in scientific research and development of researchers in Japan, and have also played an important role as centers of knowledge in Japan by supporting the foundation of regional education, culture and industry, and providing an opportunity for proceeding to higher education regardless of students' financial situations.

These national university roles will not change.

This incorporation of national universities is for the purpose of reforming management systems so that national universities can further ably fulfill their mission. Even after incorporation, it is assumed as a condition that the national government, from the standpoint of fulfilling its responsibility towards higher education, will carry out the prescribed financial resource measures and a certain level of involvement.

National universities will need to continue to fulfill their mission under the responsibilities of the national government after incorporation. Incorporation here is not the first step towards the privatization of national universities.