Japanese Science and Technology Indicators 2014
Research Unit for Science and Technology Analysis and Indicators
National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP), MEXT
ABSTRACT
   "Science and Technology Indicators" is a basic resource for understanding Japanese science and technology activities based on objective and quantitative data. It classifies science and technology activities into five categories, R&D Expenditure; R&D Personnel; Higher Education; The Output of R&D; and Science, Technology, and Innovation. The multiple relevant indicators (approximately 150 indicators) show the state of Japanese science and technology activities. "Japanese Science and Technology Indicators 2014" adds a new indicator that utilizes the results of the Japanese National Innovation Survey in time-series comparison. In indicators related to human resources development, data representation has been improved to more clearly show the status of women and international students. Additionally, seven column-style articles use indicators to focus on timely issues and specific themes from today's society.
   Using "Japanese Science and Technology Indicators 2014" to look at conditions in Japan, total Japanese R&D expenditure has changed little since 2009. The percentage of researchers who are female is especially small in the business enterprise sector. The number of female students enrolling in Japanese higher education institutions is rising. Japan ranked number one in the world in share of patents (patent families) during the 2000s. Japan's competitive superiority of its high-technology industries is falling, but the competitiveness in medium high-technology industries is maintained high level.