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The Science and Technology Basic Plan has helped pulling the position of science and technology upto vital national policy. There is widespread recognition that, despite financial difficulties, priority budgetary allocations have helped increase research funding and improve research infrastructures, thereby greatly invigorating the research community and contributing considerably to raising the level of Japanese science and technology.

At the same time, from the broader viewpoint of science and technology seen in terms of national and societal issues, there have been insufficient strategic efforts to set readily understandable scientific and technological targets for such issues. In addition, the central government must continue to actively promote basic research.

R&D expenditures are increasing steadily, with total investment from fiscal year 1996 through 1999 reaching \13.3 trillion (not including fiscal year 2000).

In fiscal year 1999, under the program to support 10,000 Postdoctorals the funding for 10,187 persons are prepared. Employment system with fixed term has been introduced at national research institutes and universities in fiscal year 1997 and fiscal year 1998, and saw an increase in cases. Significant progress in reaching several of the current plan's goals was made.

Experts criticized that past and current efforts notwithstanding, current levels are still too poor and further efforts are called for in several areas, such as measures to eliminate decrepit or small-roomed facilities and equipment; improvement of information, telecommunications and intellectual infrastructures, and increased numbers of research assistants. Particularly numerous were comments indicating the need for additional efforts to improve facilities and equipment.