"JSPS External Review Report" was issued.(PDF File 1.22MB)

Chapter II. Overview of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(1) JSPS’s conversion to an Independent Administrative InstitutionWith regard to the timetable for making JSPS an independentadministrative institution, at present (June 2002) the contents of theIndependent Administrative Institution Japan Society for the Promotion ofScience Law are being deliberated. A bill is scheduled to be introduced in aspecial fall session of the Diet. Preparations are being made to implementthe new law from October 2003.As to the rationale for making JSPS an independent administrativeinstitution, it is to facilitate post-implementation evaluations of programs toverify whether their results meet the objectives set by the government; and ifnot, to require the head of the organization to take responsibility for theshortcomings. At the same time, it is to minimize the involvement of thecompetent minister in JSPS's administration so as to give JSPS autonomy inoperating its programs in such a way as to achieve the set objectives.Under the new system, the government will only appoint JSPS's head andauditor, with all other officers being appointed by the head. This willstrengthen the head's discretionary power and give him clear administrativeresponsibility.With regard to the operation of its programs, JSPS will prepare 3-5 yearprogram plans based on mid-term objectives set by the government, and willsubmit them to the government for approval. Along with these mid-termplans, JSPS will prepare annual plans, and will implement them uponnotifying the government.Regarding the government's budgetary procedures, operating subsidies costsfor unspecified usages germane to JSPS's mid-term plan will be provided forin the compilation of each fiscal year's budget. In this way, itsadministration and program implementation budget, being provided mainlyas operating costs subsidies, will allow JSPS to be free of pre-programinvolvement by the government, to receive funds for unspecified usages, andto carry over funds into the next fiscal year. While maintaining a flexiblebudgetary system, JSPS will incorporate business accounting principles intoits accounting system and will exercise full financial disclosure.As for program and operational evaluation, JSPS will receive an annualevaluation to be conducted by a review committee established by itscompetent minister. The committee will also conduct, upon the completionof each mid-term plan, a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of209