JPRS Report, Science & Technology, Japan, The Japanese Science and Technology Indicator System
Abstract:
Advances in science and technology ST result in expanding roles for scientific and technological activities in socioeconomic development. It is therefore important to objectively assess ST activities. ST indicators are seen as a means of assisting in these assessments. The publication of this report on Japanese ST indicators, the first of its kind, is in response to this pressing social need. Indicators are developed to quantitatively examine country trends in ST activities from diverse angles. Moreover, because ST activities are related in complicated ways and comprise extensive and diverse activities, assessment must be from a long-term viewpoint. The objective of this macro analysis therefore goes beyond the inappropriate compiling of fragmentary indicators.The major objective of this report is thus the development of systematically structured indicators.