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Part Promotion of Scientific Research

The Japanese government has increased funding for the sciences every year despite unfavorable financial circumstances. It is becoming difficult, however, to cope properly with the recent fast-raced advances in scientific research and the increase in research costs. The shortage of proper funding for conducting research and for maintaining facilities and equipment is becoming apparent. Many university researchers view this trend with a sense of crisis that it may result in a decline in the level of research. From the viewpoint that scientific research provides the foundation of economic and social development, there is grave concern that this unfavorable situation may bring about the lowering of Japan's national vitality.

Since, as previously mentioned, the Government should take the major responsibility for funding scientific research, a common accord should be reached through persuasive arguments as to how much the Government should allocate for sustained scientific research at universities and related research institutes. The Government can not be entirely responsible for scientific funding, and it is necessary to promote a diversification of resources, for example, by introducing private contributions.

Proper distribution of resources is also important. A policy should be adopted whereby priority of funding for scientific projects is strictly assessed in order to effectively use the limited funds available.

One of the conditions under which a nation achieves international credibility is through its high level of scientific research. The Government, therefore, should attempt to increase as well as prioritize the distribution of research funds. Researchers, in turn, are expected to utilize the limited funds available as efficiently as possible.