Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the Science and Technology Basic Plans in Japan
- Toward the benchmarking of the effect by integrated S&T Policy -
Prof. Georghiou's presentation in Concluding Plenary Session
Overview of Research Activities
Since the 1st S&T Basic Plan was formulated in 1996, S&T policies have been dramatically improving in Japan. For example, the governmental R&D investment has been steadily increasing, and the goal for governmental R&D investment during the period of the 1st S&T Basic Plan, which was 17 trillion yen, was achieved. Reformation of the R&D system has also made progress.
However, no comprehensive follow-up evaluation has been conducted to date. It is absolutely essential to evaluate the developments, achieved outputs and outcomes, and problems raised by 1st and 2nd Basic Plans so that the government can successfully implement the current Basic Plan, which has marked its forth year, and also discuss on the next S&T Basic Plan. Furthermore, given the expanding public investments in the S&T field, evaluation of S&T Basic Plans is essential in terms of accountability to the public.
Therefore, NISTEP has been conducting studies for evaluating the achievements of the 1st and 2nd Basic Plans in Japan since FY2003. This research will continue for two consecutive years with the government's Special Coordination Funds for Promoting S&T. This research aims to evaluate the actual status and effectiveness of the previous R&D investments while making a comparative analysis with foreign countries, to evaluate how far R&D system reforms have taken hold and their impacts, and, furthermore, to clarify effects on the economy, society, etc. The outline is depicted in the following diagram.
NISTEP is the core research body, with Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. and Japan Research Institute, Limited joining us. This research is conducted under the supervision of "the Committee for the Promotion of the Basic Plan Review Research". In addition, the Research Project Team for the Basic Plan Review (an interdisciplinary project team headed by the Deputy Director General) will be organized in-house to conduct the research.
Moreover, with cooperation from the Science Council of Japan, academic organizations, and so forth.
【Items of Survey and Analysis】
(1) Review and analysis of the achieved outputs and outcomes of our country's S&T research
- 1) Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the S&T Basic Plans in Japan
Government S&T Budget Analysis during the First and Second S&T Basic Plans[2nd Theory-Oriented Research Group] - 2) Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the S&T Basic Plans in Japan
Analysis of achievement level of policy which specifies numerical goal in the S&T Basic Plans[1st Policy-Oriented Research Group] - 3) Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the S&T Basic Plans in Japan
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Outputs of Research and Development[2nd Theory-Oriented Research Group] - 4) Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the S&T Basic Plans in Japan
Analysis of Socio-Economic Impact of Science and Technology Policy in Japan[Science and Technology Foresight Center] - 5) Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the S&T Basic Plans in Japan
Analysis of S&T related human resources training program of the S&T Basic Plans[1st Policy-Oriented Research Group] - 6) Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the S&T Basic Plans in Japan
Achievements and Issues of Major Policies for Industry-Academia-Government Cooperation and Regional Innovation[3rd Policy-Oriented Research Group]
(2) Research on the trends of S&T policy in major countries and international comparative analysis of the achieved results of these measures during the period of the Basic Plan.
- 1) Study for Evaluating the Achievements of the S&T Basic Plans in Japan
Comparative Analysis on S&T Policies and Their Achievements between Major Countries - 2) Cross-check and review by experts specializing in overseas S&T policies and other relevant parties.