Japanese Way of Scientific and Technological Development

Abstract

The author analyses the Japanese way to a global scientific and technological leadership basing on a selective R&D strategy. He describes the system of main tasks to be solved on the basis of R&D achievements for raising the socioeconomic level of Japan. It is emphasized a significant role of the government in supporting the newest directions of technological progress such as «Large Projects», ERATO, PRESTO etc. Some principal measures for promoting and estimating activities of researchers and inventors are considered in details. The article provides an outline of the R&D priorities presented in the national Science and Technology Basic Plans - «Green innovations», «Life innovations», «Cyberspace & Physical Space Technologies». It contains a description of concrete directions and topics examined by Japanese experts in the S&T forecasts prepared by the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy.