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
. Strategic Prioritization in S&T
3. Focus on emerging fields
In a new age where mobility and speed are required, the CSTP
will continuously examine and promptly review the areas and targets to be prioritized.
In concert with rapid intellectual accumulation, new ways of thinking, and technological
development in recent years, mergers of different fields and new -born S&T
realms have been becoming more common. The most recent examples include: nanotechnology
covering materials science, IT, life sciences, and the environmental science;
bio-informatics as a m erger of life sciences and IT technology using developed
computer processing and accumulated genetic information; newly emerging systematic
biology; and nanobiology. Many other realms are forecasted to appear in the years
to come. When a new realm appears on the horizon and shows the prospect for treme
ndous growth and advancement, CSTP should step in to facilitate the process.