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Part3 Measures Adopted for Promotion of Science and Technology
3.1 Development of Science and Technology Policies
3.1.1 The Science and Technology Basic Plan


  With the launching of the new Council for Science and Technology Policy(CSTP)in January2001,the Prime Minister posed an inquiry regarding the general strategy for science and technology,for the adoption of a five-year science and technology basic plan to be launched in FY2001.Based on the recommendation for the"Basic Plan for Science and Technology"made by the Council for Science and Technology in December26,2000,the CSTP examined and discussed the general strategy in view of comprehensive integration of natural sciences with social sciences and humanities,and in strategic consideration of advance investments in science and technology for the future,and then issued a recommendation in March2001.

  In response to the comprehensive strategy,the Cabinet officially launched the Second Science and Technology Basic Plan on March30,2001.

  The Second Science and Technology Basic Plan was adopted in consideration of the form of science and technology should take in the21st century,and for comprehensive promotion of the government's science and technology policies,while emphasizing the building of a new relationship between science and technology,and society.

  In this plan,the basic direction of Japan's science and technology policy is to have a clear vision with three characteristics on the basis to be an advanced science-and technology-oriented nation,as"a nation contributing to the world by creation and utilization of scientific knowledge,""a nation with international competitiveness and ability of sustainable development,"and"a nation securing safety and quality of life."Toward realization of the vision,the plan emphasizes the need for high-quality basic research,and calls for prioritized and efficient investment in research and development activities covering topics of interest to the state and society in each sector,including the life sciences,information and communications technology,the environment,and nanotechnology and materials.Moreover,in order to enhance the level of Japan's scientific and technological activities,and to better promote restoration of their results to society,the plan focuses on expansion of investment,on reform of science and technology systems which cover research and development activities,human resources development,and the interface between science and technology and society,and on strengthening independent international cooperation activities and information dissemination capabilities,as well as internationalization of the domestic research environment,in order to promote internationalization of scientific and technological activities.The plan calls for continued efforts to promote science and technology with an updated understanding of future trends in the major countries of Europe and North America,and for this purpose asserts that a total of about24trillion yen 1) for governmental research and development investment will be required in the five years from FY2001 to FY2005 (Figure3-1-1) .

  Meanwhile,sound government finances will be a pressing issue if Japan is to build up a21st century society and economy that have vitality.

  In the view of the above,while taking into consideration future social and economic trends,the necessity for promotion of science and technology,and a fiscal situation that is even more severe than it was during the period of the First Basic Plan,Japan should be striving for expansion of the funds necessary for promotion of policies presented in the Basic Plan,based on prioritized and efficient allocation of funds,in accordance with trends in the effects of rationalization and financial resource assurance achieved in research system reforms in the Basic Plan.


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