Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > WHITE PAPER ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY2003 > Part3 3.1

  The Science and Technology Basic Law was promulgated and put into effect on November15,1995.Based on a recognition of the important role that science and technology should play in the development of Japan's economy and society,in improvement of the welfare of the nation,and in the sustainable development of human society,the objective of this law is to achieve higher standards of science and technology through the promotion of such measures as the implementation of the Science and Technology Basic Plan,etc.,for the comprehensive and systematic promotion of science and technology.

  Japan is currently faced with such issues as the rapid population shift towards more elderly people and fewer children,and intensive economic competition with other countries,and will in the future be required to overcome such problems as the hollowing out of industry,lack of vitality in society,and deteriorating living standards.In addition,Japan should,as a member of international society,actively address and contribute to resolution of the global-scale issues that confront mankind,including global environmental issues,population and food problems,and energy and natural resource problems.

  For this reason,it is important that Japan be challenging itself to move forward into as-yet-uncharted frontiers of science and technology in order to achieve a high standard of science and technology.The Science and Technology Basic Law lays down the basic framework for future science and technology policy in Japan,aims to be an advanced science-and technology-oriented nation in the21st century,and presents to the international public the basic stance of strongly advancing the promotion of science and technology.

  Article9of the Law stipulates that the government draw up a basic plan for science and technology,for the purpose of comprehensive and systematic promotion of measures for the promotion of science and technology.