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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 1 Basic Concepts
1. Circumstances Relating to S&T


(1) A look back at the 20th century

  In the 20th century, what some have called the "century of science and technology," outst anding advances in S&T brought about unprecedented changes across the globe. Thanks in part to th e rapid progress of studies in fields such as physics, chemistry, and the life sciences, people in th e more developed countries gained more affluence and convenience in daily life, as well as better hea lth and longevity. But adverse influences of S&T also became foreseeable influences that posed th reats to human society and the global environment.

  As a consequence of Japan's successful modernization in the 20th century, the Japanese economy has grown enormous.Japan's industrial development and economic growth after the world have even been described as miracles. In terms of GDP, Japan's stature in the world ranks second only to the United States. This progress has enriched the standard of living in Japan, and the resulting impr ovements in health and welfare have made the Japanese the longest-living people on earth, statistical ly speaking. In the 1990s, however, Japan suffered a trying period of unprecedented economic depressi on, the so-called "empty decade."

(2) Outlook for the 21st century

  In the 21st century, S&T is expected to make rapid progress, contributing further to the life a nd well-being of humankind, as well as to economic and social development. All over the world, S& T will continue to be a driver of sustainable growth.

  The human society of the 21st century is expected to be a knowledge-based society. To evolve into s uch a society while maintaining economic development, Japan must surmount many problems.

  As globalization advances and international competition grows keener, Japan is burdened with econom ic issues such as a deterioration of industrial competitiveness and job creation. Meanwhile, the nati on must contend with a decreasing workforce coupled with increases in expenditures on healthcare and social security stemming from the low birth rate and graying of the population. To stabilize and deve lop people's lives, the nation's economic vitality will have to be restored through the fos terage of industries that have internationally high productivity and strong competitiveness. To this end, persistent technical innovation will be crucial.

  In an aging society, it is important for the elderly not only to live long lives, but to live activ e, healthy, rewarding lives in which they can contribute their experiences and skills to society. Mos t important of all, perhaps, is to maintain the health and improve the quality of life of the elderly by overcoming illness through medical treatments and preventive therapies.

  The IT revolution in recent years is spreading to all parts of society, bringing rapid and extensiv e changes in diverse spheres such as economy, industry, education, and recreation. As this trend goes on, the Japanese people can best enjoy the benefits if the nation generates new industries and socia l conveniences. To these ends, Japan needs to move forward in R&D on IT, the nucleus of the IT re volution, as well as to resolve the problem of the so-called digital divide within society.

  Indeed, the brightness of our future depends upon S&T. S&T will be a key tool for tackling the multifold problems that face the world on a global scale in the 21st century the population explo sion, global warming, epidemics with no known cures, dwindling supplies of fresh water, food, and ene rgy and for achieving sustainable growth in developed and developing countries alike. In view of Japa n's dependence on foreign countries for resources, energy, and food, the nation is particularly vulnerable to today's global-scale problems. To overcome these problems, it will be necessary to amass as much knowledge as possible, both from within Japan and the rest of the world.

  To surmount the problems that face Japan and the rest of the world in the 21st century, the knowled ge humankind has gained through its intellectual activities must be further concentrated and applied more effectively. Yet, if we place too much trust in S&T, our confidence may create more problems for the global environment, social welfare, and human happiness. The global-scale problems caused by mass-production, consumption, and disposal in the 20th century are valuable lessons to heed, albeit very expensive ones.

  In the medium-to-long-term forecast for the 21st century, the influences of S&T on society and human beings will become broader and more serious, encompassing issues such as bioethics, the challen ges to human dignity imposed by advanced life sciences, the safety/security of genetically modified o rgans, the digital divide, and the many problems of the environment. To proceed with foresight, socie ty will require a new S&T discipline geared to analyze, assess, and appropriately respond. We mus t recognize the need for human wisdom to integrate the natural sciences with social sciences and the humanities.


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