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2. The Science and Technology Basic Plan (2001-2005) (unofficial version)(decided by the Government of J apan on March 30, 2001)
Chapter 2 Important Policies
2. S&T system reforms
5. Establishment of interactive channels between S&T activities and society


  Over the long term, S&T can only be developed and utilized in society if people fully understan d its contribution to their daily lives. Thus the support of individuals in the community is indispen sable for promotion of S&T. Everyone involved in S&T must recognize the basic precept that S &T and society are synergistic and inseparable.

  This is why it is necessary to establish an environment in which laypeople have a deep scientific u nderstanding that they can apply to make rational and independent judgments.

(1) Promotion of S&T learning

  In order to increase social interest in S&T, to promote a general understanding of S&T, and to foster excellent human resources engaged in S&T activities, the government will provide peopl e with a wide background in S&T.

  High school students should learn scientific ways of thinking, scientific studies, and basic princi ples of S&T through observation and experimentation. To this end, schools should improve their g uidance of students, train teachers, introduce internships in industries, introduce working people as lecturers, promote IT education, and enrich facilities.

  Universities should refine their curricula so that even students who don't major in natural sc ience courses can attain basic competency in S&T concepts.

  In social education for children and elders, compelling opportunities to study both basic S&T a nd the latest S&T trends should be increased through the use of schools and museums.

(2) Establishment of channels toward society

  S&T can only be promoted by encouraging understanding. Therefore, research organizations should be open and museum activities should be enhanced. And S&T information should be broadcasted more frequently through the mass media. At the regional level, trained S&T interpreters should be pro vided to explain S&T concepts to individuals in the community, as well as to convey the S&T-r elated opinions of individuals back to researchers and engineers.

  In addition, researchers themselves should continuously evolve their understanding of the relations hip between S&T and society, so that they can work on R&D activities with society in mind and even make suggestions to solve social problems based on their S&T knowledge.


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