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Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 6 Section 2 1

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PART II Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 6. Promoting Scientific Research
Section 2. Supporting Scientific Research Through Research Funds and Facility Improvement
1. Current Levels of Research Funds in Universities and Other Institutions


The following analysis focuses on current levels of research funds in universities and other institutions, including interuniversity research institutes, and on government budgeting for research. (Research funds in this context are defined as total expenditure, including funds provided by the government, monies received from the private sector and other outside sources, and internal funds.)


(1) Research Funds in Universities and Other Institutions

According to the Management and Coordination Agency's "Report on the Survey on Research and Development, 1993," total research funds used by universities, research institutes, business corporations, and other organizations in Japan amounted to 13,909.5 billion yen in fiscal 1992. Research funds used by universities and other institutions accounted for 2,576.3 billion yen, or 18.5% of the total. Public funds made up 49.6% of the total research funds of universities and other institutions ( Table II.6.1 ).

An international comparison of research funds shows that Japan ranks second, after the United States, in the level of university research funds. The contribution of public funds, however, is relatively low compared with that in other countries, and Japan ranks lowest in terms of the ratios of research funds and of public expenditure on research funds to gross national product. When making comparisons, of course, it is necessary to be aware that definitions of research funds and researchers vary from country to country ( Table II.6.2 ).

Table II.6.1 Research Funds by Type of Organization and the Share of Public Funds (Fiscal 1992)

Table II.6.2 International Comparison of University Research Funds (Fiscal 1991)


(2) The Government Budget for Research in Universities and Other Institutions

Research funds for universities, which play a central role in basic research, include grants-in-aid for scientific research. Over the years the government has endeavored to expand the amount of funds provided for this purpose.

According to a survey by the Science and Technology Agency, in fiscal 1994 Japan's total budget for the natural sciences, including personnel costs, amounted to 2,358.5 billion yen (4.1% more than the previous fiscal year). Funds provided by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture accounted for 1,100.4 billion yen (5.2% more than the previous fiscal year), or 46.7% of the total budget ( Figure II.6.1 ).

Figure II.6.1 Japan's Science and Technology Budget (Fiscal 1994)


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