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

the upgrading of education and research, all of which go beyond theadministrative reform perspective.(3) Government R&D measuresScience and Technology Basic Law and Science and Technology BasicPlan(a) Science and Technology Basic LawThe law underpinning Japan’s R&D measures is the Science and TechnologyBasic Law, formulated on November 15, 1995. This law identifies thepromotion of science and technology as a key policy theme and was createdto address the various issues involved in making Japan a nation foundedupon highly creative science and technology. It therefore aims to improveJapan’s science and technology situation in terms of backward basicresearch, the poor research environment in universities and nationalexperimental research institutions, and young people’s drift away fromscience, and instead encourage the domestic development of leading scienceand technology, the creation of new industries, and the resolution ofproblems confronting humanity as a whole, such as the environment, food,energy and medical care. The government is directed to take a number ofmeasures, including the following: (1) the balanced promotion of diverseR&D; (2) the fostering and securing of researchers, etc.; (3) the developmentof research facilities and equipment; (4) the promotion of R&D-relatedinformatization; and (5) the promotion of research exchange.(b) Science and Technology Basic PlanThe first Science and Technology Basic Plan was adopted as a CabinetResolution in August 1996 based on the above Basic Law. It stipulated basicmeasures and guidelines related to science and technology for the five yearsfrom 1996, identifying as its basic direction the vigorous advance of R&D inline with socioeconomic needs and the active promotion of basic researchcreating intellectual property able to be shared by the human race. Toachieve these ends, the formulation of a number of policies was suggested,including the construction of a new R&D system, the laying of better R&Dfoundations, the promotion of science and technology study, and theformation of broad public consensus. In regard to government R&D87