Mr. Maeda's Statement:
Amidst advancing economic globalization, the U.S. and European countries have made national commitments to strengthening their scientific and technological capabilities. Japan has begun to lag behind them significantly in important technological areas such as biotechnology, information technology. The time has arrived for us to carry out a far-reaching review of our systems for developing science and technology.
Concerned parties are in the midst of discussions about revising the Science and Technology Basic Plan for the next generation. Keidanren takes this opportunity to submit specific proposals regarding the strengthening of industrial technology, synergetic links among industry, academia and government, and roles and functions of the newly-established Council on Arts and Science & Technology.
Question & Answer Session
Reporter:
Does Keidanren propose to revisit the old strategy of catching up & surpassing the West?
Maeda:
We need to concentrate our resources on national projects that will be useful to Japan and the world in the 21st century. For example, biotechnology or information technology in which Japan lags behind other nations. Also, projects should be launched in technological areas where Japan in fact keep lead. New materials are examples in this sense.
Reporter:
What about human resources development?
Maeda:
The first thing to be decided is clear objectives of our national projects. The clear objectives will serve as a starting line to develop strategies on specific educational and personnel training, which cover upgraded primary and junior high school education.