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Classification into basic research,applied re-search and development 8) ,may differ from country to country.Although it is difficult to make a comparison due to differences in distinctions between the three among the countries concerned,R&D expenditure data by character of work generally reflects the R&D activity of each country.Recent statistical data for Japan,the United States,Germany and France shows that France and Ger-many spend more on basic research and that Japan spends less on basic research (Figure2-1-16) .
Note8)?esearch classification:"Report on the Survey of Research and Development"by Statistics Bureau defines research by type of characteristic as follows.
Basic research:Basic or experimental research conducted with no direct consideration for specific applications or uses,in order to form hypotheses or theories or to obtain new knowledge about phenomena or observable reality.
Applied research:Research that utilizes knowledge discovered through basic research to confirm the feasibility of commercialization for a specific objective,and research that searches for new applications for methods that have already been commercialized.
Experimental development:Research that utilizes knowledge obtained from basic research,applied research,or actual experience for the objective of introducing new materials,devices,products,systems,processes,etc.,or of making improvements to those already existing.
A look at the trend for the share held by basic research in selected countries shows that Japan's allotment for basic research began rising in FY1991 but then turned downward in FY1996 and rose again in FY1998.The United States,while showing some minor fluctuations,has generally increased its share of basic research since FY1986,which has turned downward since1999 (Figure2-1-17) .
In Japan,research expenses in the different types of organizations,classified into companies,research institutions,and universities and colleges are clearly differentiated in structure.For companies,development plays an extremely important role due to their corporate business functions,and this trend has become even more intensified in recent years.On the other hand,universities and colleges place emphasis on basic research and applied research.Non-profit institutions and public organizations,meanwhile,exhibit trends between them (Figures2-1-18 ,19) .
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