The 70th session of the Council for Science and Technology Policy was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence on October 29, 2007.
Prime Minister Fukuda opened the session with the following comments. "The economic growth is vital for Japan's future. Administrative reform and economic growth should go together like the wheels of a car. I am actively working on the development of science and technology, the engine of economic growth. The government has actually increased rather than cut the science and technology budget. I would like to stress once again that Japan's future prosperity lies in your hands. I hope to create a bright future for Japan through science and technology."
In this session the Council discussed a report on the priority evaluation of science and technology policies in the fiscal 2008 budget allocation and the proposals from executive members concerning the management of independent administrative institutions for research and development. There was also a presentation on genetically modified plants developed through genome breeding as an approach towards resolving problems related to the environment, energy and food.
In closing, Prime Minister Fukuda summed up the discussion of independent administrative institutions. "I would like to see wide-ranging examination of the most efficient and effective systems for promoting science and technology for the nation as a whole. The independent administrative institutions responsible for research and development should rigorously assess their role expected from the Japanese public and think real hard to establish a framework that reflects these expectations."